The Inspector General of Bangladesh Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said that the police force is working to create an environment for free and fair elections.
The police chief said this at a press conference held at the police headquarters on Thursday (December 5) morning.
In response to questions from journalists, the IGP said, "My entire force, including me, demands that the police be stopped from being used politically. Hopefully, the Police Reform Commission is working to stop the police from being used politically."
In response to another question, the police chief said, "The work to boost the morale of the police is ongoing."
He also said that the police headquarters will ensure free access to information.
Noting that the police have faced great challenges since August 5, the IGP said, "My main responsibility is to control the law and order situation in the country. Work is underway to restore the morale and confidence of the police."
Baharul Alam said, "It is not the job of the police to harass innocent people. If he is accused in the case, I will not chase him and arrest him. The police must behave politely with the people. The police must be made public-friendly through reforms.’
He also said, ‘Innocent people are being harassed, there is trade, fraud, all this is happening around August 5. Arrests cannot be made wholesale.’
The IGP believes that ‘if the recommendations of the reform commission are implemented, the police force will become a public-friendly force.’ He said, ‘The police force is working to create an environment for free and fair elections.’
When asked how many police members were involved in the massacre, the IGP said, ‘This number cannot be said right now. However, their number will be confirmed and identified.’
The IGP mentioned that many innocent police members who were not involved in the massacre have also been accused.