Police medal delivery programme halted: Officer

Authorities have suspended the programme to officially hand over police medals to 109 personnel during the inaugural session of the four-day Police Week starting Sunday.

The medal delivery committee’s chief, Additional Inspector General of Police Khondoker Rafiqul Islam, confirmed the matter to journalists on Saturday night – amid allegations of irregularity raised by different quarters.

Amid the allegations, no official notification had been issued on the medal handover, and President Mohammed Shahabuddin left the country Saturday morning without giving his required signature.

The Bangladesh Police and Home Ministry have ordered the suspension of formal handover, Khondoker Rafiqul Islam said, adding that the president’s departure could be a reason.

In the meantime, the list would be scrutinised further, he said.

Over the past few days, criticisms and allegations have been levelled by different stakeholders that some of the selected officers received undue benefits during the fascist Awami League regime, and also played controversial roles in the past – while many others secured spots through lobbying.

As a result, many other officers, asking they not be named, have vented anger for not making it to the list, despite performing better than the “favourite picks.”

A deputy inspector general (DIG) at the Police Headquarters told reporters, preferring anonymity, that “maybe” some of those selected for the medals could be dropped following an intense review, or they “may still won’t be dropped.”

Some new names could also be added to the list of recipients, he added.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was due to hand over the Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) and President Police Medal (PPM) to the selected 109 service members at Rajarbagh Police Line in the capital.