Police morale being harmed by disinformation: Police Service Association

The Bangladesh Police Service Association has alleged that the morale of the police force is being damaged by false and motivated information being spread by 'hidden collaborators of fascist forces' both within and outside the police force . The organisation claimed these individuals are providing misleading information to various online activists and self-proclaimed journalists, which is then being circulated on social media without verification .

The police officers' organisation made these allegations in a statement on Sunday, August 9. The statement was signed by Shamima Parveen, Superintendent of Police of Dhaka District, in her capacity as General Secretary of the association .

The statement said that when the police force's fragile morale was gradually recovering after August 5, 2024, it appears that 'fugitive, isolated fascist forces and certain vested quarters' have engaged in planned disinformation activities .

The organisation alleged that these 'hidden collaborators of fascist forces' both outside and inside the police force are providing 'false, motivated and misleading' information to various online activists and self-proclaimed journalists at home and abroad .

The Police Service Association said that without verifying the truth, context and accuracy of this information, the so-called journalists and online activists are exaggerating it. Later, various fabricated and misleading stories are being created and broadcast on various social media platforms .

The organisation said that while this disinformation and propaganda initially targeted individuals, it is gradually turning into slander and negative propaganda against senior police officers and even the head of the police force .

This is severely damaging the morale of police members returning to duty, the association claimed. According to them, this is also hindering the work enthusiasm and effectiveness of a disciplined force .

The statement said that police morale and professional capacity are crucial for maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of public life and property in the post-uprising period .

The General Secretary of the Police Service Association said, "This attempt to weaken and discredit the force through motivated disinformation, rumours and slanderous campaigns will ultimately harm not just the police force, but the state, the people of the country and the expectation of a normal, stable and democratic Bangladesh."

The organisation believes that such activities against a disciplined law enforcement agency for personal, group or political gain cannot be considered part of responsible journalism or freedom of expression in any way .

According to the Police Service Association, such activities are contrary to professional ethics, state interests and the internal discipline of a disciplined force .

The statement also said the organisation condemns and protests the attempts to spread motivated propaganda, create confusion and systematically 'weaken and discredit' the police force .

The Police Service Association has called for the proper identification of those involved in such activities and their activities. At the same time, it has demanded strict and exemplary action against those involved in accordance with existing laws, rules and organisational discipline .