Bangladesh Police on Saturday recognised 25 of its officials for their contribution in detaining alleged arsonists red handed from different spots during the countrywide blockade that began on January 6.

These brave police officials were awarded with cash for their service in arresting the miscreants who either conducted arson attacks or tried to do that.

The Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Haque handed over Tk 5.5 lakh to each of the 25 officials from Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Narayanganj district police at a programme held at Police headquarters conference room on Phoenix Road in Dhaka.

‘Police officials work round the clock risking their lives under frequent petrol bomb and crude bomb attacks in the last 40 days. Many officials had injuries while one official died from such an attack. They were awarded so that such recognition can encourage other police personnel in doing brave works,’ said Shahidul Haque.

The police chief also claimed that the arrestees were from Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Shibir or any hired group and the arrestees had confessed their activities during interrogation.

Responding to a question, he said 18 police officials died during the countrywide violence in 2013 who received Tk 10 lakh from the Prime Minister’s Fund.

In regards to widespread allegation about police officials for bribery using the political situation, he said the allegations were raised extensively outspread allegations, rather than specific ones.

‘Our intelligence agencies are scrutinising the allegations. If any official found guilty, we will take action against them,’ he said. 

Replying to the fear on public, he said police has increased its mobility, visibility and connection with people to decrease the fear.

‘Police has been deployed in the streets, highways and everywhere. In addition, citizen committees were formed to reduce the fear,’ he added.

They are – Ramna police inspector (investigation) Mohammad Ali Hossain, constables Siddiqur Rahman and Sonahor Ali, Bangshal police sub inspectors Moktar Hossain, Jahid Ali, and assistant sub inspectors Ijarot Hossain and Milon Mollah, Badda police sub inspector Akhtaruzzaman Sarker, constables M Kamal Uddin, M Arju Miah, and M Lutfor Rahman, Wari police sub inspector M Jalal Uddin, Jatrabari police sub inspector Rasel Hossain, DMP Traffic (south) surgent Tanumoy, Detective Branch (East) senior assistant commissioner Mainul Islam, Deteective Branch (south) senior assistant commissioner Hasan Arafat.

Officials from Narayanganj police are – Fatulla police assistant sub inspector Farida Khanam Tagar, Narayanganj district police assistant sub inspector Al Amin, constables Shariful, Nure Alam, Abul Hossain, Mabud, senior assistant superintendent of police Azim-ul-Ahsan, Detective branch sub inspector M Mazharul Islam and assistant sub inspector M Shawkat Imran.