Abdullah Al Mamun Chowdhury, the outgoing director general of Rab, yesterday said the law enforcement agency only uses force where necessary.
"We do not use it, where it is not necessary," Mamun replied to a question about gunfights while talking to reporters at the Rab media centre in the capital's Kawran Bazar.
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The number of gunfights dropped significantly since December 10 last year, when the US imposed sanctions on Rab and seven of its current and former officials, including Mamun.
After serving as Rab DG for two years and five months, Mamun will become the new inspector general of police (IGP) tomorrow.
Asked if his time as DG became difficult due to the sanctions and whether the number of so-called gunfights and deaths decreased because of the sanctions, he said, "We do not think so.
"When we are attacked, when the narcotics, arms, and human traffickers attack us, we take action according to the existing laws," he said.
Asked whether the decrease in the number of gunfights meant that attacks on Rab have also decreased, the outgoing Rab DG said, "We take action according to the demands of the situation."
"Whenever a crime takes place, we [Rab] are not present there. Police go first, the magistrate comes, an inquest is done. The body is taken to the morgue. An experienced physician performs the autopsy. A case is filed at the police station.
"The trial is held in open court. Based on the arguments of both parties, the court gives a well thought out decision," said Mamun.
"We do everything with transparency."
Asked whether Rab's war on narcotics has failed as the number of drug abusers have increased, the DG said, "The war we are fighting against is global. This war is not just ours; it is going on all over the world."
Mamun said around 36,000 drug peddlers were arrested and narcotics worth around Tk 2,300 crore seized during his tenure as Rab DG.
About the criticism of police for suppressing activists of opposition party, Mamun said that during the election, law and order forces work entirely under the Election Commission.
"Various complaints are made. If there is any specific complaint against someone, say so. We will take action."
A farewell reception will be given to Mamun at the Rab headquarters today and he will take over as IGP from Benazir Ahmed tomorrow.
Additional IGP M Khurshid Hossain will take charge as director general of Rab the same day.
