The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Home Adviser Maj Gen (retd) Abdul Matin, yesterday said that the government has directed the law enforcing agencies to arrest the criminals considered threat to holding of free, fair and peaceful general elections.

The process of updating the list of criminals was going on he told reporters at the launching ceremony of Bangladesh Police Women's Network at Sonargaon Hotel in the afternoon.

Bangladesh Police and Police Reforms Programme jointly organised the function to launch Bangladesh Police Women's Network that will provide leadership in all relevant fields for the achievement of national and global objectives of women's development.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Nur Mohammad said that this time they would not go for any pre-announced special drive ahead of the polls as in the past. "We have changed our technique in arresting criminals and other violators of law."

He said they would do everything possible to strictly maintain law and order both before and during the parliamentary polls, as the government's first priority is to hold free, fair and terrorism-free elections.The IGP said here is no scope for the terrorists to escape the long hands of law. The country's law and order will be kept under control through our intelligence network. So far, we did not find anything to get worried.

Asked about the reported return of absconding criminals to the country before the polls, he said police has no such report. The police would definitely be informed through its intelligence network if any listed criminal returned to the country from their hideouts across the border and in that case, steps would be taken immediately.

Replying to another query, the IGP said he does not think the JMB is capable of conducting any more subversive activities in organise manner. But we are always alert about them.