IGP says statements of some political parties go in favour of militants

Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque has hit out at political parties that have doubted recent anti-terror raids.

The BNP, the major opposition outside Parliament, has been vocal against the raids for "not being transparent".

"Some political parties have reservations regarding militants. They do not like our activities. They take sides of militants while giving statements," said IGP Hoque at the Police Headquarters on Sunday.

"They do not even express grief when a policeman dies fighting the militants."

The BNP has been asking why the militants are not arrested alive from their 'hideouts'.

"People are confused about this sudden rise of militancy and the mysterious anti-terror raids. The government needs to clear the doubts," BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia said in a statement on Mar 28

IGP Shahidul, in response, said the militants are given time to surrender but they are suicidal. They prefer to die rather than surrender to police.

"You will see the same picture worldwide. The militants possess weapons, explosives. They have pledged to die in order to go to the heaven," he said at an interactive meeting with the newly elected committee of Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association.

He said police try their best to capture the militants alive by giving them time or calling up their relatives.

"I doubt that those who make such comments are aware of these facts. They can come to me for explanations."

The police chief claimed police are more friendly towards the media now than ever before.

"Police used to follow a protocol in the past before facing media inquiries. Even now they are bound to get written permission from high-up before releasing information. Still, I would say they talk to the media freely."

"Police must not get irritated when reporters come to them for first-hand information. On the other hand, journalists should respect it when police refuse to disclose information for public safety," he said.