Police activity not biased, claims DMP commissioner

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner Asaduzzaman Khan on Friday said the activity of police in no way is biased.

“The members of law enforcement are doing everything neutrally and professionally. They are not doing anything out of favour and disfavour,” he told newsmen after visiting a vote centre at Willes Little Flower School and College in the city on Friday.

When asked about the allegation that the police are acting in a partisan manner ahead of the 30 December election, Asaduzzaman denied the allegation and said it is not based on information.

He said that the police are the servants of the state and the force works in accordance with the law and the constitution of the country.

“I can clearly say that nobody is arrested without specific allegation, warrant and lawsuit in the capital. We are committed to work in light with the law and the constitution,” Asaduzzaman Mia said.

At a press conference, the DMP commissioner said they would provide security to voters, the candidates and their agents.

If any voter is obstructed to cast his or her vote, the victim can make complaints to the returning officers, presiding officers and polling officers, he said adding the victims can also make complaints to any forces.

“We will make efforts so that the voters can cast their votes to the candidates of their choices out of fear,” Asaduzzaman assured.

He said those, who will fly, journey by bus or train, can move in vehicles by showing necessary documents.

All vehicles of emergency service delivery organisations will remain out of the restriction, Asaduzzaman said adding the police will check whether criminals commit crimes using these vehicles.

He said the voting will take place in 2,113 centres in the capital. Adequate members of Ansar and police will perform duties in each voting centre.

Patrol police will be engaged to keep surveillance in five voting centres. Adequate members of law enforcers will be kept reserved under police stations and zone level in Dhaka metropolitan area. Police control rooms have been opened at Mirpur, Abdul Gani Road, Diplomatic Chancery in Gulshan and Rajarbagh Police Lines to ensure security.

Members of Bangladesh Armed Forces, Navy, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Ansar have been patrolling.

Ballot papers will be dispatched from 14 points where tight security will be ensured, the DMP commissioner said.