All killings including police will be brought to justice: IGP

All incidents of killings, including those of police officers, before and after August 5, 2024, will be dealt with according to the law, said Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir.

He made the remarks in response to journalists' questions during a press briefing at the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) headquarters on Friday afternoon.

Referring to the events of August 5, the IGP said, "Many people, including police officers, died during that time. Every incident will be investigated and justice will be served according to the law."

Noting that police have played a crucial role in maintaining law and order, he claimed that law enforcement agencies have delivered one of the best elections in Bangladesh's history.

The police chief called on citizens to abide by the law in building a peaceful and civilised society.

Addressing the youth, he said, "Our young people take to the streets and block roads over minor issues—this is not acceptable. It harms all of us."

Highlighting the country's current socio-economic context, IGP Ali Hossain Fakir said, "There are many educated unemployed in our society. On the other hand, banks are in a bad state due to money being siphoned abroad. For various reasons, young people are getting involved in crimes like drugs and mugging." He clearly reiterated police's 'zero tolerance' policy against drugs.

In response to a question about the fuel crisis and black marketeering, the IGP said, "Collecting fuel from a few petrol pumps and selling it at slightly higher prices does not yield much profit. We also need to improve our moral thinking in this regard."

He said police have submitted proposals to the government to transform Dhaka and all divisional cities into 'smart and safe cities', and the process is ongoing.

Meanwhile, when journalists drew his attention to a letter issued by the DIG of Rajshahi Range regarding the showing of Awami League leaders as arrested in other cases after they had obtained bail, the IGP sidestepped the issue, saying he would not comment as the matter is under investigation.