Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury speaks to journalists after inspecting the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) sector headquarters in Rajshahi on Saturday.
A total of 187 police officers, who have gone into hiding without returning to their duties, will now be considered 'terrorists' and arrested on sight, said Home Affairs Advisor, Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday.
He made these remarks in response to a journalist's question after inspecting the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) sector headquarters in Rajshahi on Saturday.
He told that the same laws applied to criminals would now apply to these absconding officers.
The government has repeatedly called on the officers, who failed to return to duty following the mass uprising led by the anti-discrimination student movement. Despite these appeals, 187 officials remain absent without leave, according to the advisor.
Speaking about the police force, Jahangir said, "The situation in police force has improved significantly since August 5. However, the trauma within the force still lingers. It is not something that can be fixed in a few days. But the reality is the situation has improved and will continue to do so."
He also acknowledged that some innocent people were wrongfully accused and reports have surfaced in the media about individuals profiting from false accusations.
Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury further noted that there has been extensive corruption in agricultural mechanization and fertilizer distribution. Investigations are ongoing and strict actions will be taken against those responsible, with a few individuals already taken into custody.
He added, "During the 15 years of the fascist regime, a few merit-based recruitments took place but beyond that those who got jobs through other means will face consequences. A coordinated decision is necessary in this regard." The advisor also mentioned that journalists would be rewarded for providing information about the whereabouts of the influential fugitive leaders.
Senior officials from the sector and Rajshahi Battalion-1 of BGB were present during the event. Earlier, the advisor visited the Patnitala Battalion-14 of the BGB as well as the RAB-5 office and Barendra Development Project office.
