Drug dens established under political patronage over past 17 years: IGP

Drug dens were established in neighbourhoods across the country under political patronage over the past 17 years, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir has said.

He called for collective efforts by police, public representatives, educational institutions and ordinary citizens to combat drugs, terrorism, extortion, corruption and other crimes.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a community policing rally organised by the Bagerhat district police at Bagerhat Police Lines on Sunday, focusing on preventing drug abuse, terrorism, extortion, corruption, juvenile gang activities and extremism.

The IGP said police maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and urged people to cooperate with law enforcers in eliminating juvenile gangs and preventing all forms of crime.

He called on public representatives, social organisations, educational institutions and members of the public to work together to tackle these problems.

Speaking about police manpower and capacity, Ali Hossain Fakir said the country had approximately 208,000 to 215,000 police personnel, while plans were in place to recruit another 20,000 officers this year.

However, he noted that the existing infrastructure was insufficient to train such a large number of recruits at once.

He stressed that strengthening the police force alone would not be enough to curb crime, adding that social resistance against criminal activities must also be built at the neighbourhood level.

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Addressing unemployment, the IGP said around 2.5 million to 3 million people were added to the ranks of the unemployed every year.

He warned that young people could become frustrated if investment and employment opportunities failed to increase.

Engaging young people’s talent and capabilities in productive activities could significantly reduce their tendency towards crime, he added.