No one can take law into their own hands: home advisor

Home Advisor Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has expressed his regret at the deaths by ‘mass beatings’ at Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and other places across the country.

“Public awareness should be raised in this regard,” he said. “I saw yesterday that it happened in Jahangirnagar. They are the most educated. They must have this awareness.”

“If a man commits wrongdoing, hand him over to the law. But no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. He must be turned over to the law.”

The home advisor’s comments came after a meeting with Dhaka Metropolitan Police officials at their headquarters on Thursday, reports bdnews24.com.

Jahangirnagar University former Chhatra League leader Shameem was killed after a group of students beat him on Wednesday. That same night, a man suffering from ‘mental instability’ was also beaten to death at Dhaka University on suspicion of theft.

The incidents have led to widespread criticism on social media.

‘POLICE MUST BE PEOPLE FRIENDLY’

Home Advisor Alam issued a list of directives to the DMP, to make the force fully operational and truly people-friendly.

“A discussion has been held on how we can elevate their mentality and restore their glory. We want a truly people-friendly police,” he told the media after the meeting at DMP headquarters.

He also asked the agency to give a ‘patient hearing’ to those who come to police stations with their problems, even if they can’t be resolved.

“They have been asked to take measures to control traffic and eliminate problems in this sector. The force has also been directed to stop extortion.”

Jahangir said the high inflation would come down to a tolerable level if extortion stops, asking police to look into the matter.

In addition, the advisor also discussed measures with law enforcers to stop rampant bribery and corruption.

“The main focus of the meeting was that the police should return to their previous form as soon as possible so that they can be precise and people-friendly, which is the hope of citizens.”

Asked about harassment conducted by police in their ‘old form’ in the form of filing cases, the advisor said: “Previously, police would file cases. But have you seen them do that recently? They used to name 10 suspects and another 100 unidentified suspects in these complaints. But now they are not doing so. The general public is.”

“I request you to only press charges against those who are guilty. Don’t name anyone else. If you put unnecessary names in a lawsuit, it will take more time to investigate. Innocent people should also not be harassed."

Jahangir said he had instructed the Detective Branch to confirm the involvement of the suspects through the investigation before making arrests.