Moynul new IGP, Abdullah Al-Mamun goes

Ansar-VDP takes over security duties and traffic control

FE REPORT | Published: August 07, 2024 00:09:43 | Updated: August 07, 2024 02:31:30

Md. Moynul Islam has been appointed as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP), according to online and electronic media.
This appointment was announced in a notification of the Home Ministry on Tuesday night.
Supernumerary Additional Inspector General of Police Moynul Islam was serving as Commandant of the Traffic and Driving School, Dhaka.
Earlier, contractual appointment of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was cancelled.
The ministry of public administration said this in a notification issued on Tuesday night.
However, Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidur Rahman has been appointed as the coordinator of the Bangladesh Police.
This decision comes as senior police officials strive to normalise operations within the force, addressing the anger, resentment, and fear prevalent among officers.
Speaking to reporters at the police officers' mess in Ramna, Shahidur Rahman emphasised the importance of resuming normal police duties to serve the public effectively. "We are taking steps to ensure that we can serve people soon," he said.
In response to the absence of police presence across the country, the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) has been tasked with maintaining security at police stations and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).
The director general of the Ansar & VDP, Maj Gen AKM Aminul Haque, confirmed that forces were being deployed nationwide.
While acknowledging that the Ansar & VDP may not function with the full capacity of a police force, Maj Gen Aminul said their primary role was to secure key establishments and manage traffic control in the interim.
Earlier on the day, Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun issued a call for patience and resilience among the police force.
In a video message, he urged members to maintain their duties with strong morale while ensuring their own safety.
This was the IGP's first public address following the resignation and subsequent departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India.
With many top police officials in hiding, the IGP assured that steps would be taken to resolve the issues faced by police members, while also expressing sorrow over the deaths of officers in recent clashes.
As the crisis deepens, the Bangladesh Police Employee Association has enforced an indefinite nationwide strike, citing concerns over the safety of police personnel.