Businesses urge to let policemen work without political influence, lead graft-free life with better pay
Business leaders yesterday came down hard on policemen who turn to crime but get away with it using political links.
They also brought allegations of bribery and snatching against law enforcers during an exchange of view on law and order while state minister for home, police chief and DMP commissioner were present.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) arranged the meeting at its Motijheel office in the capital.
Speakers said some police stations have nexus with crime gangs who loot covered vans and trucks on highways, especially on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway.
The salary of constables is so poor that they resort on taking bribe, they said, adding the government should increase their salary.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Benazir Ahmed, however, said poor salary does not justify corruption and the department will take action if anyone is found involved in crimes.
FBCCI President AK Azad, who presided over the discussion, said the police department cannot work independently due to interference by the political leaders.
Local political leaders control transfer of field-level policemen, said AK Azad adding the trend has an adverse effect on law and order.
He quoted a high-ranked police official, who had transferred a sub-inspector, as saying that the SI went to a state minister to get the transfer order scrapped, instead of requesting his boss.
The police officer had lamented to Azad that even an SI has access to a political big-shot who he himself cannot reach so easily. The police authority hardly can transfer any officer-in-charge as local lawmakers intervene almost every time.
Some other business leaders urged ministers and lawmakers to stop interfering in police department for the sake of growth of trade and commerce and attracting foreign investment.
If congenial atmosphere for trade and commerce is not ensured, local investors will feel discouraged to do business, let alone the foreigners, they said.
They also urged the government to increase the number of industrial police from 1500 to at least 4,000.
DMP Commissioner Benazir Ahmed in his speech said they will set up a women division to provide service to female victims and complainants.
Among others, State Minister for Home Shamsul Huq Tuku as chief guest and Inspector General of Police Hassan Mahmood Khandaker as special guest took part in the discussion.
