Don’t spread rumours against police: PHQ

The Police Headquarters (PHQ) yesterday called upon all not to spread misleading information and rumours against law enforcers, as it is demotivating officials who are working for the welfare of the country amid the coronavirus outbreak.

PHQ came up with the appeal, after it found that photoshopped pictures of police action during the arson attacks in 2011 at the time of the BNP-Jamaat blockade are being posted and shared on social media. People are believing those posts and expressing their wrath towards law enforcers, said a PHQ statement.

Sohel Rana, assistant inspector general of PHQ, told The Daily Star that police personnel have been working relentlessly on various platforms to prevent the spread of coronavirus and to ensure the welfare of the country.

"Police are interacting with millions of people across the country every day to prevent spread of the virus. Of these, several members of police have been accused of unwanted coercion during certain events or interactions," said the AIG.

Unit commanders have been ordered to investigate the incidents immediately, said the AIG.

"The inspector general of police spoke to all commanders through video messages and phones and also instructed officers deployed at field level," said Rana.

As a result, such incidents have not been repeated or come to the notice of PHQ, nor were those published or found visible in most print, electronic and online media, he said.

However, some news outlets are still publishing news using manipulated images to make it seem as if the police actions have continued, said the AIG,

The AIG further requested to all to assist police in this regard.

"Appropriate legal action will be taken for spreading rumors and lies among the people. Our cyber teams are working to find out those behind the rumors," he added.