Harsh punishment for helping criminals

Urging all to stand against the enemies of country’s development and to cooperate with police in uprooting terrorism, subversive activities and militancy, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday warned of harsh punishment to those who will join hands with the militants and criminals. “Those who will join hands with the militants and criminals will get harsh punishment no matter what is their status… offenders won’t be spared,” she said, inaugurating the Police Week-2014 at a function at the Rajarbagh Police Lines in the city. The Prime Minister distributed Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) and President Police Medal (PPM) –- both in two categories, services and bravery, to 105 members of police forces — for their outstanding contributions in 2013. Terming Bangladesh Police as the symbol of peace, security and discipline, she said that the anti-democracy and anti-liberation communal forces, Jamaat-Shibir and their cohorts, were engaged to push Bangladesh into an unstable situation. She mentioned that the police force have restored confidence and a sense of relief among the people, by working sincerely in protecting their life and property while about 16 members of police sacrificed their lives and many others were injured in discharging their duties in the recent times. Conveying deep sympathy to the family members of the victims, the Prime Minister reiterated her commitment to extend all possible assistance for their overall wellbeing, according to UNB.