Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah on Wednesday said situations force law enforcers to resort to encounter with criminals and saboteurs.
He came up with the remark at an award-giving ceremony at the DMP Media Centre where three Dhaka University students and a rickshaw-puller were rewarded for their bravery in catching saboteurs during the ongoing blockade enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance.The DMP boss said police members face numerous problems while conducting drives and sometimes they are forced to fire gunshots when criminals or saboteurs encounter them.
He also noted that the incidents of violence have been reduced over the last few days and will be contained further in the coming days.
Handing over the cash reward, Asaduzzaman said if every city dweller comes forward with such bravery, no one will have to fall victim to violence and loss life.
He said 186 saboteurs were arrested with crude and petrol bombs from the capital. Of them, 84 are leaders and activists of Jamaat-Shibir and the remaining 102 are members of BNP and its front organisations.
Besides, 1010 leaders and activists of BNP and its allies were arrested from different parts of the city in connection with subversive activities, the DMP commissioner said.
He also informed that 11 buses were completely burnt, while 168 other vehicles partially damaged due to arson attacks by blockers or hartal picketers since January 5.
Besides, 44 policemen and two Ansar members were injured and two police men were killed while on-duty in the capital during the period, he added. – UNB
