Bangladesh's New Interior Minister Focuses on Law and Order

Dhaka-The first priority of Bangladesh's caretaker government is to improve law and order, said the country's newly-appointed interior ministry adviser, retired Brig. M. Sakhawat Hossain.

In an interview with Reuters, he said that the country's police force is in disarray after the country's long-time leader Sheikh Hasina abruptly resigned as prime minister and fled to India on Monday.

The veteran officer said that about 300 people have been killed and thousands injured in the country since the violent protests erupted in July. According to him, the morale of law enforcement agencies is extremely low and he reached out to them immediately to restore confidence.

"After such a big upheaval, which has almost broken down the whole chain, it will definitely take some time," he said. "Now they are being attacked, thanas (police stations) are being attacked. How will these poor fellows be going about?"

He said that some reports of vandalism and attacks on minorities have been "slightly exaggerated".

Bangladesh has around 190,000 police personnel, and Hossain assured that the government will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the people of Bangladesh.