Police list to include all politicians, civil society members

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has confirmed that it is preparing a list of all politicians and members of civil society to improve security in the capital.

One of the main objectives of the list is to ensure that criminal elements cannot impersonate prominent personalities, DMP high officials said.

Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) AKM Hafiz Akhtar said, “This list is nothing new, it has been made before. Political parties are forming new committees, titles are changing, and some have shifted their offices, so we are just updating this information.”

Asked if only members of opposition political parties were being listed, Hafiz said: “Political parties means all political parties. Other prominent personalities, like civil society members, will also be included. The purpose of the list is not to harass anyone, this information is needed for police work.”

He added that work on the list was ongoing.

DMP sources said the names, ranks, addresses and mobile numbers of committee members of political parties were being recorded for the list. The names of mosques from where provocative or violent processions were brought out were also included.

Some members of opposition political parties claim that the list is being made to suppress their activists and leaders.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said: “If the government does not stop such unethical activities, the united people’s movement that has already started will explode.”

BNP leader and reserved seat MP Rumin Farhana said: “The police have been instructed to prepare a list of our leaders and activists so that the leaders and activists run away in fear and are afraid to participate in the movement. They know lawsuits are effective tools in defeating activists. Who will lead the movement if the leaders are in jail?”

She added that the BNP activists were not afraid and would remain on the streets.

Several other BNP members declined to comment on the record, alleging that they would immediately be arrested.

When contacted, Ganosamhati Andolon Coordinator Zunayed Saki said: “Our leaders and workers living in different areas of Dhaka have already been listed. Many have reported that the police are making lists in their areas and taking their details.”

He claimed that the list would be used to oppress dissenting political parties.

Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder and noted civil society member Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury said, “Police have not come to me yet, but this is a wrong step from the government. They are spreading fear in everyone by making the list. Respected personalities and the general people will also become afraid, not only politicians.”

On the other hand, Jatiya Party International and Diplomatic Affairs Secretary Golam Moshi said: “As long as there is no problem with this list, it must be a good thing, since the government has given such instructions to the police. Every police station has such a list already, I don't see any problem if the police verify it properly.”

He also said the leaders and activists of the party were yet to be approached by police, adding that it was necessary to cooperate on the making of the list.

Members of the ruling Awami League declined to comment on the making of the list, saying it was a police matter.