Police Unable to Act Immediately After August 5 Arson: Home Advisor

Staff Correspondent

Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Home Advisor, stated that police have been unable to take immediate action following the arson attacks on August 5 due to significant resource constraints.

Speaking to journalists after visiting Sylhet’s Airport Police Station on Thursday, Chowdhury referred to the damage caused to Dhaka’s Jatrabari Police Station and numerous others during the August 5 government overthrow attempts last year. Hundreds of police stations across the country were attacked, with vehicles looted and set on fire.

Chowdhury asserted that law and order have improved since then, emphasizing, “No more organized mobs will be tolerated in the future. Strict action will be taken against anyone taking the law into their own hands.”

The delayed police response during mass attacks resurfaced in discussions following mob violence during anti-Israel protests on Monday. Incidents occurred in Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Khulna, Gazipur, Comilla, and Bogura, where multinational businesses like Bata, Pizza Hut, Domino’s Pizza, KFC, and Unimart were looted and vandalized.

The attacks have raised concerns, particularly as they coincided with a summit aimed at attracting foreign investment. Despite initial inaction, law enforcement agencies have since launched arrest campaigns in response to public criticism.

Addressing the lack of immediate police action, the Home Advisor cited logistical shortcomings: “Police often face delays in taking action due to inadequate transport and other operational resources. Many police vehicles and stations were destroyed on August 5, and we have yet to replace them entirely. Efforts are underway to acquire old and new vehicles to address this gap.”

Chowdhury assured the public that law enforcement reforms are in progress and would lead to improved responsiveness. He highlighted the ongoing need to enhance police infrastructure, accommodations, and resources, pledging continued efforts from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

During the visit, Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md. Rezaul Karim, Sylhet Range DIG Md. Mushfequr Rahman, and other senior officials were present.

Later, the Home Advisor visited Shantiganj Police Station in Sunamganj, reiterating the importance of preventing organized mob violence and ensuring law enforcement remains vigilant. He also urged the media to provide accurate reporting, saying, “Accurate information will help maintain peace and benefit both the nation and its people.”