The Crime Desk: Despite repeated instructions from the police headquarters, the police stations are not getting the desired service. Common people are suffering to get service from the police station. Complaints against police officers are increasing. Many OCs are getting the responsibility of a police station in exchange for illegal money. As a result, they focus more on making money than providing services. Chittagong’s Chandgaon Police Station OC Khairul Islam’s speech has started a commotion. He said, “I sat on the chair with Tk 60 lakh in cash; I did not come to provide service for free.” The police have started an investigation into his statement. If it is proven that he has said such things, it will be considered a very serious offense against the discipline of the force. Not only this incident, but the arrogance of OCs in many places
Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun told the media, “There is no opportunity for money transactions in the post of OC. These are strictly monitored from the headquarters. Did he say such things in the Chittagong incident? Or gave money to whom? They are being investigated. In the last crime meeting, I also gave strict orders that the image of the police would be tarnished if the police station did not provide good service. Because people first go to the police station to get service. There must be good treatment for people.
In 2021, the police clashed with the villagers during the magistrate’s operation in Faridpur. Several cases were filed in that incident. In those cases, some people were released in exchange for money. And many innocent people have been accused of not paying. After investigating the matter, the superiors confirmed that the OC was involved in this unethical act. He was later transferred to the Armed Police Battalion. Recently, he was sent to a range from there. Got the responsibility of a police station. After joining that police station, he started harassing people like before. The people of the area expressed their anger against him.
How is an accused OC reinstated? While searching for answers to such questions, the issue of illegal money transactions was discovered. Earlier, the DIG could appoint an OC if he wanted. Now the SP also has to agree with the DIG. As a result, such corrupt OCs are employed in illegal money transactions. Not only DIG, but now SP is also involved in this transaction. This is not the case in all cases; in some places, qualified people are getting the OCs. The common people have no complaints against them.
However, OC Khairul Islam of Chittagong Chandgaon Police Station said, “I sat on the chair (OC’s chair) with a bribe of Tk 60 lakh. I did not come to serve for free. Lobbying ministers, MPs, mayors, or leaders will do no good. I don’t borrow anyone’s words. This kind of statement is not only made by Khairul but also by many OCs. They misbehave with the service providers. Due to the lack of action against OCs in these incidents, the situation is deteriorating day by day. The number of such OCs is increasing.
However, during the Corona epidemic, the police stood by the side of the common people and came to a very positive discussion. But due to some OCs, the positive image of the police is being undermined. If action is not taken against them soon, the number of such OCs will continue to increase. People’s perceptions of the police will also change.
Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun said at the two-day Police Headquarters Quarterly Conference at Rajarbagh Police Lines on May 17 that the people must be assured of getting the desired services. Police stations should be developed as service delivery centers. The law and order situation in the country is normal because the police are doing a good job, and people’s expectations of the police have also increased. The OCs of the police stations should be more diligent in providing services as per the expectations of the people. Negligence will not exempt anyone.
