Commenting on the wrongdoings of police, the High Court has said five percent of police officials, who engage in corruption and irregularities, are ruining the image of the entire force.
The HC bench of Justice FRM Nazmul Ahsan and Justice KM Kamrul Kader made the remarks while hearing a writ on Monday (Dec 2), saying that a member of police usually face no consequences when they commit crimes.
Advocates Abul Kalam and Ismail Hossain Bhuiyan stood for the writ petition while Deputy Attorney General ABM Abdullah Al Mahmud Bashar represented the state.
According to the writ petition, Ibrahim Khalil, a senior officer of Sonali Bank, went to Vooter Adda restaurant with his female coworker on Jun 27.
Police detained them when they were returning from the restaurant, and took them before Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mustafizur Rahman at the capital's Uttara West police.
Ibrahim was injured in police custody while being escorted to the station. Upon reaching the station, ASI Mostafiz demanded they pay him Tk 20,000 for their release, of which Ibrahim paid Tk 6,000.
They were able to leave the station only after Ibrahim gave his word that he will pay the ASI the remaining amount of Tk 14,000 later. Ibrahim then went to Kurmitola Hospital to get treatment for his injuries; however, ASI Mostafiz contacted Ibrahim's female coworker, telling her that he will forego the rest of the money if she meets him privately.
Ibrahim filed a complaint against the ASI with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner and Inspector General of Police (IGP), showing them call recordings and his medical certificate, but the authorities concerned did not take any action.
After that, Ibrahim went to the High Court and filed a writ petition against the police official.
The High Court then issued a rule and ordered the authorities concerned to take necessary measures against the ASI within 15 days.