Fuel cut may hamper patrol, probe: SPs tell IGP
A cabinet division circular on 9 April directed that fuel allocation for government vehicles be reduced by 30% monthly, along with a 100% cut in vehicle, watercraft, aircraft and computer purchases; a 30% cut in travel expenses.
Police superintendents (SPs) have opined that the police force has little scope to implement fuel-saving initiatives, arguing that patrol operations and investigations would be disrupted if fuel usage is reduced.
The development comes after Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir held a virtual meeting with all SPs today (16 April), following two circulars from the finance ministry and the cabinet division instructing cuts by 30% in government vehicle fuel allocation and other operating expenses amid a global fuel crisis.
During the meeting, the IGP also directed reductions in training, hospitality and travel expenses. Multiple SPs, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they told the IGP that regular patrols, case investigations and arresting suspects would not be possible with less fuel.
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In response, the IGP assured them he would consult higher authorities and inform them of a final decision.
When contacted, additional IGP Khondkar Rafiqul Islam told TBS that due to global instability, a fuel crisis has emerged in the country. He said the IGP asked SPs to monitor petrol pumps so that no one becomes agitated due to long queues, and to reduce fuel use where possible.
He denied that the IGP mentioned a 30% cut, adding that no one was told to reduce patrols or other work. "He simply reminded everyone to refrain from using vehicles unnecessarily," Rafiqul Islam said.
Regarding the SPs' opinions and the IGP's assurance, he said no such discussion took place and the IGP spoke briefly without anyone raising the issue in detail.
Earlier, a cabinet division circular on 9 April directed that fuel allocation for government vehicles be reduced by 30% monthly, along with a 100% cut in vehicle, watercraft, aircraft and computer purchases; a 30% cut in travel expenses.
The circular also dictated a 30% cut in office fuel, electricity and gas use. Beautification costs for residential buildings will be cut by 20%, and for non-residential buildings by 50%. Land acquisition expenses have also been fully halted.
