Directive issued to prevent police misconduct

The Police Headquarters has issued a 14-point instruction to prevent police misconduct that has tarnish the image of the law enforcing agency.

The guideline was issued on September 18 after a decline of morality in the behavior of some policemen raised questions about the force.

The directive said that members of the police must show zero tolerance to illegal monetary transactions, bribes and corruption.

It also said that members of the police force have to be informed every month about the Police Act, Police Regulations, Bengal (PRB) and the Government Servants (Disciplines and Appeal) Rules

The directive states that policemen must refrain from making adverse comments on the state, government, or on any force, department and agency on Facebook or on other social media sites. They also must not compromise religious harmony or create social unrest through social media.

It also instructed members of the police force not to share or post anything that could hurt the sentiment of any individual or organisation.

According to the directive, police must refrain from sharing or posting any incident of repression of women and children or any other sensitive issue on social media.

Police must follow the code of criminal procedure and rules of the Bangladesh Police Act in arresting, transporting or interrogating a person who has been charged, says the directive.

It also instructs police not to harass the common people and to behave amicably with anybody who seeks service from them.

According to the instructions, policemen must not use mobile phones to browse the internet or listen to music or religious sermons when they are on duty.

Authorities concerned must take action against any policeman who takes bribes or indulges in corruption. If any member of the police violates the moral code, the unit chief must investigate the matter and take stern action against him.

If any immoral act by a member of the police comes to the attention of a unit chief, he must inform the higher authority about it immediately and take necessary action. The unit chief will face action if he attempts to hide any unacceptable behavior by his subordinates.

The directive also instructed the higher authorities to ensure that the members of the police whose families do not live with them can go on leave as per the rules.

Arrangements for entertainment of policemen have to be made at the police lines, police stations and outposts. Games of football, cricket, volley ball, badminton, carom, chess and table tennis have to be arranged regularly, the new directive stipulates.