DMP rejects allegations over bar raids, defends legality of operations

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Dhaka, Apr 28 - Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has rejected allegations made in a newspaper report published in the form of an advertisement regarding police raids on licensed bars and restaurants, describing them as one-sided and misleading.

In a press release on Tuesday, it said a report published in the daily on April 26 by the Bangladesh Hotel, Restaurant and Bar Owners’ Association contained inaccurate and legally inconsistent claims about law enforcement actions. 

The statement said the claim that police or Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) cannot conduct operations in licensed bars without permission from the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) is not correct. 

It added that under the Narcotics Control Act, 2018, the DNC mainly handles licensing and regulatory matters, but there is no legal bar for other law enforcement agencies to conduct operations. 

The DMP said police are empowered under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, the Police Regulations of Bengal, 1943, and the DMP Ordinance, 1976, to conduct searches and raids without warrants if there is reasonable suspicion of a cognisable offence. 

The statement also referred to recent operations, including one at Park View Restaurant and Bar in Mirpur on March 14, where 35 people were detained, and another at Combi Restaurant and Bar in Uttara on April 24, where 128 people were detained. 

The DMP said those detained were later punished by metropolitan magistrates through summary trials for offences, including consuming alcohol without permits and involvement in unlawful activities. 

The police also dismissed allegations of illegal operations, extortion and harassment, saying such complaints would be investigated if supported by specific evidence. 

It further said violations by some bar and restaurant operators, including selling alcohol without permits, serving minors and operating beyond permitted hours, had also been detected during drives. 

Reaffirming its commitment to law enforcement and public order, the DMP urged parties concerned to avoid spreading misleading information that could create confusion. - UNB