Bailed 'offenders' to report weekly to police stations, says IGP

“After we bring them under the law, they come out on bail within a short time and get involved in the same offences again,” he says

Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir has said suspects released on bail in cases involving extortion, mugging, drug dealing and juvenile gangs will be required to report weekly to local police stations to prevent repeat offences.

Speaking during a visit to Mohammadpur in Dhaka on Thursday night, a day after assuming office, Ali said many accused return to crime soon after securing bail.

“After we bring them under the law, they come out on bail within a short time and get involved in the same offences again,” he said.

“There will be area-based lists. Once they are released on bail, they will have to report to the officer-in-charge every week.”

He said the process had already been initiated.

Ali toured Geneva Camp, Mohammadpur Town Hall and the Mohammadpur Tin Rastar Mor before inspecting Mohammadpur Police Station, where he spoke to officers on duty.

“If I stay on the ground, my colleagues will be more active and enforcement will be stricter,” he said. “The public stands with the police. Whoever the offender is, they will be dealt with firmly.”

The IGP said tackling narcotics was a top government priority.

“The prime minister’s number one assignment is that there will be no drugs in society. An entire generation is being destroyed by narcotics,” he said, urging parents to monitor their children’s activities.

Responding to questions about police uniforms, Ali said officers at the field level wanted a more visible design.

“When we go out on duty, the current uniform is not easily noticeable. We want the government to consider this,” he said.

The interim administration introduced a new uniform, but the Police Service Association has said most members of the force are not in favour of it and has called for changes.

Ali said reform required more than a change in attire.

“It’s not just about uniforms. We must change our mindset. No matter how good the uniform is, if officers do not work as true public servants, nothing will change,” he said.

Asked about shops occupying pavements, he said police would initially seek to persuade vendors to vacate footpaths and explore the possibility of introducing “holiday markets” in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

He acknowledged past allegations that influential local figures and members of the administration had been involved in collecting extortion from such areas.