Bangladesh police chief questions patriotism of fatal militancy raid critics

Police chief AKM Shahidul Hoque has his doubts about the patriotism of those criticising the killing of nine suspected militants in Kalyanpur raid.

"Do we want our Bangladesh to turn into Pakistan? We don't want it and so we have become conscious, stood up (against militancy)," Hoque said at an anti-militancy rally in Mirpur Government Bangla College on Friday.
 
The inspector general of police said a group was out to throw police activities into controversy by criticising the 'encounter killings'.
 
"Shall we appreciate these militants? But they will shoot us if we get closer. They die if a fight, an encounter takes place. If you question police's role here, do you have patriotism in yourselves?" Hoque asked.
 
He said those critical of police activities against militancy are 'supporting the militants'.
 
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia were also present.
 
Kamal said Rakibul Hasan, the suspected militant held during the Kalyanpur raid early on July 26, was providing much information.
 
He also said, "Over 100 militants who had fled home have started to return. Two have already surrendered in Jessore. Some of the others are returning home."
 
"We've identified many of those leading and funding the militants," he added.
 
DMP chief Mia urged the people to help police tackle militancy by providing information.