Police still trying to find ‘missing’ BNP leader Salahuddin: IGP

Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque has again said ‘missing’ BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed was not picked up by security agancies.

Police were still looking for him, he told reporters on Friday after a programme in Tangail.

“Salahuddin Ahmed’s family has not filed a written complaint yet. The issue will be dealt more seriously once that happens.”

The IGP added they were not taking the BNP joint secretary general’s disappearance lightly.

According to Salahuddin’s family, he was whisked away by policemen in civvies from a house at capital Dhaka’s Uttara on Mar 10 night.

But all law-enforcing agencies have denied having the BNP leader detained and maintained that they were also trying to arrest him in several blockade-strike related cases.

Shahidul Hoque said police would take tough measures against those involved in acts of sabotage and violence carried out during the BNP-led 20-Party alliance’s nationwide blockade and shutdowns.

“The people have also rejected and resisted the saboteurs. The law and order situation in the country is normal now. There are no blockade and shutdown right now.”

The BNP and its allies have been enforcing the transport blockade since Jan 5. They are yet to officially call it off.

The coalition has also been enforcing nationwide shutdowns since the beginning of February to put pressure on the government to quit and call election.

Both programmes have been marked by major violence including numerous firebombings and bomb blasts, killing over 120 people.

The IGP said police would be able to quell the saboteurs and attackers if the people helped.

Hoque also hailed community policing and sought more cooperation in order to establish peace and rule of law by curbing crimes.