'I wouldn't be OC if not for 5 Aug uprising': Policeman’s speech at BNP meet sparks debate
The OC urged BNP leaders and activists to maintain unity and avoid actions that could be exploited by third parties
Sheikh Moinul Islam, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Khoksa police station in Kushtia, made controversial remarks during a BNP activists' meeting, which has drawn criticism for being politically charged.
Speaking at a BNP workers' meeting held in Kushtia's Khoksa upazila, the OC said, "If the mass uprising of 5 August had not happened, I would not have been able to become OC here. I always say this and admit it."
He added, "You know better than me how and where you were for 15-16 years, how you suffered. I was also oppressed in the same way."
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The meeting, organised by the Khoksa upazila and municipal BNP on Wednesday (25 December), was attended by several party leaders.
In a viral video of his 2-minute-44-second speech, OC Moinul Islam said, "This programme is yours. I am a policeman, why would I come? Even then, I came. My heart also wants to come. My heart pulls me to speak a little here."
Following backlash on social media and allegations of unprofessional conduct, OC Moinul Islam apologised, explaining that his statements were aimed at calming tensions between two BNP factions.
"I gave such a statement to stop the two factions of BNP. I had no other intention," he said.
According to local sources, tension arose between two local factions of the party during the event, prompting the OC to address the gathering.
The OC urged BNP leaders and activists to maintain unity and avoid actions that could be exploited by third parties.
He said, "After a lot of sacrifice and endurance, you have come this far. I humbly request you to make good use of this opportunity. Do not do anything that a third party can take advantage of."
He further assured the crowd of the police's commitment to maintaining law and order, adding, "Forget all hatred and malice. If there is hatred among you, a third party will take advantage."
A senior Kushtia District Police official, speaking anonymously, confirmed to this correspondent that the matter was under investigation.
"What statement he [Monirul] gave is his personal matter. However, it is being investigated," the official said.
The OC's remarks have sparked widespread discussion, with many questioning the appropriateness of a police officer addressing political gatherings in such a manner.
