DB chief vows to end 'Aynaghar' and 'Bhater Hotel' culture

Rezaul Karim Mallick, Additional Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch (DB), made a firm pledge on Saturday to transform the DB office into a place of trust for victims, free from any undue privilege or misconduct. 

He vowed that there will be no "Aynaghar" or "Bhater Hotel" culture at the DB office, referring to past criticisms of the office being a hangout spot for celebrities.

"The Detective Branch is not a place for actors and actresses to lounge. It will be a place where the concerns of victims are addressed and justice is pursued," Mallick said at a press briefing held at the DMP media center in Dhaka.

Emphasising the need for accountability and reform, he assured that the DB is developing into a people-friendly organization where strict action will be taken against any personnel found involved in wrongdoing. "We want to establish the DB office as a place of trust and love for the people," he remarked. "The problems of the helpless and the sufferers will be heard, and they will receive legal support."

He further assured the public that no one would be subjected to torture under his watch. "People should not panic when they hear about the DB office-only criminals should fear us. I will carry out my duties with integrity and professionalism as long as I hold this position," he added.

In a candid reflection on past police failures, Mallick pointed to previous instances where "ambitious and unprofessional" officers had compromised the entire police force's standing. "The collapse of police morale during the students' movement and the popular uprising against the previous government was unprecedented," he noted. "We had never faced such a terrible situation before."

He made it clear that such failings would not be repeated under his leadership, stressing that injustice would not be tolerated within the DB office.

To rebuild the tarnished image of the force, Mallick outlined that skilled and professional officers have been assigned to the DB, working in coordination to restructure the organization. "We are working within the due process of law to restore the DB's lost image and ensure that common people can live free from unjust oppression," he said.

He reiterated his commitment to transparency: "I am not above the law. If any DB member is involved in unethical or unprofessional activities, they will not be exempted from accountability."