Drug dealers, muggers can't be detained for long due to legal constraints: IGP

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir on Saturday said drug dealers and muggers often return to criminal activities after being released because of legal loopholes and constraints that prevent police from holding them for long periods.

He made the remarks at a programme titled “My City, My Country�"Bangladesh Changes Through Cleanliness”, organised by Community Bank at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College in the capital.

The IGP said many drug dealers and muggers have been brought to justice repeatedly, but loopholes and limitations in the law prevent authorities from keeping them in custody for long. He called for greater public participation alongside police efforts to curb drug abuse and mugging.

He said the number of police officers and members is very low compared with the country’s population, with only one police member for every 1,000 people. Therefore, people from all sections of society must work together to maintain law and order, he added.

Describing drug abuse as a major threat to young people, he said drugs such as yaba are often marketed under attractive names, including energy tablets. A child’s drug addiction affects the entire family, he said, recalling cases in which addicts assaulted their own fathers for money.

The IGP stressed people-oriented policing and urged citizens to cooperate with police. He also called for tree planting, cleanliness drives, environmental awareness and teaching road safety rules to children from an early age.

He said the Community Bank initiative was part of efforts to promote social responsibility and that joint efforts by police and citizens could build a clean, safe and beautiful Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, at another programme held at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium at Rajarbagh Police Lines in Dhaka, IGP Md Ali Hossain Fakir urged students to remain alert against drug abuse while speaking at the Bangladesh Police Merit Scholarship Award Ceremony for children of police members who achieved GPA-5 in the SSC, HSC and equivalent examinations in 2024 and 2025.

He warned that drugs are a deadly trap and urged students not to fall prey to temporary curiosity or provocation. He also cautioned against excessive use of mobile phones, social media and online games, urging students to use technology without allowing it to control them. He asked them to obey the law and encourage others to do the same.