DMP refutes allegation of torture on Mahmudur

15 June 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) yesterday dismissed as baseless the allegation that Mahmudur Rahman, acting editor of the daily Amar Desh, was tortured during his remand. What Mahmudur said about torture before a court is baseless and motivated, DMP Commissioner AKM Shahidul Haque said at a press conference. Mahmudur made up imaginary stories regarding torture in the remand, he added. The press conference was held after the monthly crime conference of DMP at its Rajarbagh telecom auditorium in the city. The DMP commissioner also said a special drive would be launched in the capital soon to recover illegal arms. Only 13 firearms were seized last month while the figure was 75 in the corresponding month last year, he said and expressed dissatisfaction with this low figure. The firearms recovery figure was 55 in April, he added. There are many illegal firearms in the hands of criminals, he said, adding that the DMP will launch the special drive within three to four days. However, the commissioner said the police were busy with several important incidents, which affected the drive against illegal firearms. The DMP will also intensify drives against drug peddlers across the city, he added. The DMP Commissioner also warned the police personnel of tough action if found involved in illicit drug business. According to a DMP report, a total of 26 people were killed last month while the figure was 21 in the corresponding month last year. A total of 6,475 people were arrested last month. Of them, 113 people were arrested under section 54, seven are listed criminals and 16 are accused in murder cases. The DMP commissioner said the incidents of attacks on the police increased last month. The police were attacked mostly during the drives against militants.