Many post-uprising cases aimed at exploiting the situation: DMP chief
He also admitted that some police officers were also involved in this illicit trade
Several complainants filed cases following the July-August uprising with malicious motives, aiming to profit from the situation, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali said today (8 December).
"Many of these cases were intentionally exaggerated, with 150 to 200 or more individuals listed as accused, including Awami League leaders. Police were forced to file these cases," the commissioner said at a meeting with the executive committee of the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB) at the DMP Headquarters,
He also admitted that some police officers were also involved in this illicit trade.
The DMP chief further said, "Those involved in exploiting the situation for financial gain or making baseless accusations would face charges of extortion.
"Disciplinary measures will be taken against police officers found complicit in such misconduct," he added.
He assured that no innocent people in criminal activities would be harassed unnecessarily, promising a thorough review of the cases filed during the period.
The commissioner acknowledged that police actions during the July-August uprising were not appropriate, emphasising that a proper response could have prevented many casualties.
Regarding the inclusion of journalists in some cases, he said, "The names of journalists included in some cases will be dropped if investigations prove their innocence."
He clarified that complainants do not have the authority to remove names from cases, as it is the responsibility of investigating officers to ensure no innocent person is falsely accused.