Harsh punishment for helping militants: PM

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 (PM) Sheikh Hasina warned on Thursday of harsh punishment to those who will join hands with the militants and criminals, reports UNB.
"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 PM 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.
Sheikh Hasina also witnessed a parade of smartly turned out contingents of Police comprising its various units. She also inspected the parade riding an open jeep and later took salute.
The PM said no country could prosper if there is no continuation of democracy, which is the precondition of development.
In this connection, she thanked the people and also the law enforcement agencies for whom the country has survived from the clutches of the evil forces and "we've been able to maintain the continuity of democracy,"
Mentioning that police is the chief refuge of the peace-loving people, Hasina underscored the need for turning every thana and outpost into a real shelter for the people.
She said: "Members of the police force must work with the mentality of giving highest level of services to the people. No negligence in this connection will be tolerated."
The PM said that the government would repair and renovate the thanas so that the police can stand beside the people as their friends, can address their problems humanely and with sincerity, and also ensure peaceful life for the rural people.
She said the present government is putting emphasis on training, as the militants and terrorists are using modern technology including computer in committing crimes.
Hasina said that apart from stopping burglary, robbery and killing, the police force would have to combat cyber crimes, money laundering, drugs trafficking, smuggling, women and children trafficking as well as protecting marine and forest resources and environment.
Hasina said that their militant and terrorist outfits were engaged in sabotage and destructive activities in the name of hartals and blockades as they had started hatching conspiracy to eliminate the spirit of the war of liberation from the country.
But, she said, the members of police force along with the people are discharging their duties sincerely through relentless efforts to maintain law and order.
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.
She said that over 30,833 posts including 614 cadre posts have already been created which increased capability of police and scope of their promotions.