Newly appointed Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed has said that many people are ignoring the government’s instructions for maintaining social distancing to stop community transmission of the deadly coronavirus. A bit disappointed Benazir said, “It’s your choice whether you will stay at home or in the grave.”
Benazir, also the outgoing Director General of the anti-crime elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), made the remark at an online press briefing at RAB Forces Headquarters in the capital on Monday. “It’s the responsibility of every citizen to maintain the rules of social distancing following the government instructions,” he said.
Requesting for not to go outside with silly excuses Benazir said, “Most of the people will stay at home and some people will go outside, we shall not allow it anymore.” “Many people are trying to move in the dark of night using boats and other ways. We’ll not let it happen anymore,” he warned.
“Stay wherever you are. Do not even think of leaving your current places of staying.” “I urge you all to think for yourselves, your family and for the country”, Benazir continued. “Stay at your home.” This is not the responsibility of any single person. It’s the responsibility of every people, he narrated.
Urging relief workers to ensure physical distance in distributing relief materials, Benazir said, “We should distribute relief by going to the homes of poor people.” He requested to inform police before starting Open Market Sale (OMS) of rice to avoid crowds. If any organization or individual wants to distribute relief, they can also seek cooperation from the police, he added.
He also warned of taking stern actions against those involved in misappropriating relief materials. He reminded everyone of the zero tolerance policy of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina against corruption. Referring to robberies in two medicine shops, Benazir said, “ Due to ongoing coronavirus crisis many social problems may also arise. Law enforcing agencies are on alert to tackle these types of crimes.”
Responding to a question he said, “Global militancy issues may rise again using the present crisis situation.” He further said, “RAB has not stopped its operation against militancy even during corona crisis. Though RAB is involved in many issues, combating militancy is our top priority.”
About his five year and three months tenure as RAB DG, Benazir said, “I was commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police for a long time. Prime Minister had assigned me with RAB during a crisis period.” I became able to bring RAB to a place of people’s confidence, he claimed.
Referring to some of his major successes he said, “Now Sundharbans is robber-free zone. We also became able to eliminate militancy after the Holey Artisan attack.” RAB is now a highly operational force. I have worked to enhance the skills and capabilities of the RAB continuously, he further claimed.
