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Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir has said police are conducting drives against drugs, but many repeat offenders are returning to crime because of legal limitations.
“We are conducting drives against drugs. Every drug dealer and every mugger has been brought under the law several times. But because of loopholes in the law, we have not been able to keep them detained for long. They get out and become involved in the same crimes again,” he said.
The IGP made the remarks while speaking 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 on Saturday morning.
He said the number of police officers was very low compared with the country’s population, with only one police member responsible for roughly every 1,000 people.
“Therefore, we have to work together with people from all sections of society to maintain law and order,” he said.
The IGP said drugs were destroying the country’s younger generation.
“Various types of drugs, including yaba, are being handed to young people under different names. Sometimes they are marketed as energy tablets or given other attractive names,” he said.
“We have to make our children aware of these dangers,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of cleanliness and environmental protection, Fakir said such programmes were not being undertaken merely for publicity or show, but with the aim of bringing about real change.
He stressed the need for more tree planting and stronger cleanliness drives to reduce environmental pollution in Dhaka.
Students should not be confined to textbook-based education, he said, urging their involvement in environmental protection, cleanliness campaigns and various voluntary activities.
“Such initiatives can play an important role in developing the younger generation into responsible citizens,” he said.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said the tree-planting programme launched on September 5 marked a milestone for Bangladesh Police, Dhaka city and the city corporations.
“Through this programme, we are not merely planting trees; we have launched an awareness campaign across Dhaka city,” he said.
He expressed hope that the campaign launched jointly by community police and Community Bank would eventually reach every corner of the capital.
Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam said cleanliness and greening must be given equal importance to ensure a healthy environment.
“If the heads of the state and institutions attach importance to an issue, it can be implemented. Similarly, if city residents consider Dhaka their own city and love it, change is also possible,” he said.
At the end of the programme, the IGP and the DSCC administrator planted a neem tree on the premises of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College.
Community Bank’s managing director and director, along with senior police officials, were present at the event.