BNP fears IGP’s remark on arson attacks may influence investigations

The BNP is apprehensive that a remark made by the inspector general of police (IGP) in response to a comment of Chairperson Khaleda Zia may influence the investigations into cases over acts of sabotage.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 6 July 2015, 05:13 PM
Updated : 6 July 2015, 05:13 PM

BNP spokesperson Asaduzzaman Ripon protested against AKM Shahidul Hoque’s remark at a press briefing in Dhaka on Monday.
 
“We’ve read in the newspaper that Mr Shahidul Hoque said it was crystal clear who had hurled petrol bombs and killed people by setting buses ablaze,” he said.
 
“We don’t know what he tried to suggest by saying that. But we think such comments coming from the police chief can influence the process of investigations.”
 
“When the subordinate officers know the views of the chief of the force, it becomes difficult for them to be fair because they have to keep their jobs,” he said.  
 
Police have accused top BNP leaders, including its chairperson, in the cases over killing of people by setting vehicles on fire during three-month long blockade enforced by BNP-led 20-Party alliance early this year.
 
However, the BNP has been denying the allegations.
 

Asaduzzaman Ripon (File Photo)

On Friday, Khaleda accused police of throwing petrol bombs and setting buses afire during their blockade.
“It is regrettable if one makes political comments to tarnish the image of the police,” the IGP said in response to her comment.
“Her (Khaleda Zia’s) remarks are utterly false. We expect responsible people to make responsible comments.”
In support of the party chief, Ripon said, “Khaleda Zia’s allegation definitely has grounds. But the police chief’s comment was totally undesirable and unwanted.”
He said the police chief’s call to Khaleda to make ‘responsible’ comments were not ‘decent’.
He also feared that after the ‘political’ remarks of the IGP, police might become ‘more aggressive’ towards his party.
“We are frightened.”
He hoped that the chiefs of all forces including police would be more ‘responsible’ in their speech.
“It is not decent to speak like politicians,” he said. “I don’t know why police get involved in debates.”
BNP leader Ripon also criticised Education Secretary Nazrul Islam Khan over the technical glitch that delayed college admission results.
He, however, thanked Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid for expressing regrets over the matter.