He promised thorough investigations into each incident of violence and clashes that resulted in the deaths of students, civilians, and police officers.
Moinul Islam also committed to transforming the police into a professional force by fulfilling their legal responsibilities. He instructed all police officers to report to their posts by Thursday. The IGP stated that within the next 24 hours, all metropolitan, district, naval, railway, and highway police officers and forces must join their respective police lines.
During the protests surrounding the anti-discrimination student movement and quota reform movement, clashes with law enforcement resulted in the deaths of over two hundred people within five days from July 16. Even after the quota demands were met, the anti-discrimination student movement called for the government to be overthrown in protest of the killings. This led to the fall of the Awami League government on Sunday, August 5. Following this, police stations across the country were attacked, resulting in the deaths of police officers, and most police members left their posts.
In this context, the contractual appointment of IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was canceled on Tuesday, and Md. Moinul Islam was appointed as the new IGP.
Taking charge on Wednesday, Moinul Islam addressed a press conference at the police headquarters. He stated, “In any crisis, the police have always performed their duties with utmost sincerity, dedication, and professionalism. However, in the current justified anti-discrimination movement, our previous officers failed to meet the expectations of the nation. On behalf of the Bangladesh Police, I sincerely apologize as the police chief. From now on, we are committed to fulfilling all our legal responsibilities. As the IGP, I seek everyone’s sincere cooperation in performing our professional duties.”
Moinul Islam added, “We are committed to conducting fair and impartial investigations into each murder. We are fully committed to restoring peace and stability in the country. We will prioritize well-considered opinions to establish an efficient, citizen-friendly, technology-driven modern, and accountable professional police force.”
He acknowledged that some police officers were responsible for the incidents. “Due to the actions of a few ambitious, unprofessional officers, and not following the established use of force policies, there have been human rights violations. Due to leadership failures, many of our colleagues were injured, killed, or harassed.”
In response to a question about whether the ambitious officers who violated human rights would be punished, Moinul Islam said, “We have made mistakes. Those responsible will be subject to administrative and legal actions under police regulations and other relevant laws.”
He urged police members to dedicate themselves to their duties during this critical period. “At this juncture, I urge you to fulfill your responsibilities as members of the law enforcement force in the interest of the country and the nation. We will take all necessary measures to improve your quality of life and overall welfare.”
Instructions to Police Members
At the press conference, the IGP issued several directives to police members. These include all officers and forces of the Rajarbagh Police Lines, POM, APBN, all metropolitan, district police lines, and specialized police units must join their posts by Thursday evening.
The IGP said, “Metropolitan police commissioners and district superintendents will form citizen security committees in their respective areas, comprising senior citizens, professionals, student representatives, political and media personalities. We urge the public to support these committees in ensuring security in their areas during emergencies, and a final outline will be developed later.”
Regarding social media usage, the IGP instructed, “To maintain discipline within the police force, all colleagues are directed to refrain from making any personal, association, batch, or association-related claims, comments, or responses on social media.”
