Bangladesh punishes nearly two thirds of its police

BANGLADESH: Bangladesh disciplined nearly two thirds of the entire police force in the last four years for transgressions ranging from corruption to dereliction of duty.

A home ministry report made available to Reuters on Sunday said authorities sacked more than 750 officers and disciplined nearly 75,000 others in the 117,000-strong force. Those disciplined were fined, demoted, transferred or subject to internal action, the report said. Allegations against the police include corruption, inefficiency, misbehaviour, gross violations of responsibilities, immoral activities, abuse of power and absence from duty, the report said.

Bangladesh police have a reputation for corruption, but their defenders say they are too poorly paid and inadequately equipped to operate within the law.

Dhaka, Monday, Reuters