The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Home Adviser Maj Gen (Retd) MA Matin yesterday said the police force work independently under the present caretaker government, free from any influence.

"There is no influence from the government or any other quarter on the activities of the police department," he told reporters after a meeting of the Monitoring Cell on sensational cases at the Home Ministry.

When asked about the proposed Police Ordinance, the Home Adviser reminded that separation of the judiciary took 36 years despite the fact that the constitution clearly spells it out. The present government separated the judiciary from the executive last year, he said.

"There are some phases to pass through in implementing the police ordinance. It will be implemented through those phases," he said, indicating the cause of a perceived delay in getting the updated police law in place.

The Home Ministry custodian also said that the proposed police ordinance was initially prepared in English and later translated into Bangla.

"Now we will seek feedback about the proposed ordinance from stakeholders, including lawyers, bar associations and police regulatory committee. We will go for further steps after getting their opinion," the Adviser said.

Replying to a question, Matin said there is no dillydallying to pass the police ordinance. "Any government official is not hindering or halting implementation of the ordinance."

Meeting sources said ten sensational cases, including three new ones, were reviewed and the meeting expressed satisfaction at the progress in investigation.

The Home Adviser also instructed further investigation of former Finance Minister SAM Kibria murder and Nasrin Haque killing.

Home Secretary Abdul Karim and senior officials concerned, including police bosses, attended the meeting.