Khulna: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has expressed confidence that no terrorist group or evil force will be able to disrupt the upcoming national election. 'All units of the police are on alert to ensure a peaceful election,' he stated during a press briefing at the Boyra Police Lines in Khulna.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the IGP emphasized that previous national elections were marred by controversies involving police bias. He assured that lessons have been learned from past mistakes, and police personnel will now perform their duties neutrally. Intensive training is underway for all police units to prepare for the election.
The IGP recently visited election-related training activities at the Police Training Centre (PTC), Armed Police Battalion (APBn), Rapid Reserve Force (RRF), and Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP). He highlighted the government's commitment to conducting a free, fair, and neutral election, underscoring the significant role of the police in this process.
For the first time, police are receiving duty-oriented training to ensure a disciplined and uncontroversial polling process. The IGP also mentioned that officers unwilling or unable to adapt to a neutral mindset would not hold key leadership roles during the election. Range DIGs and Superintendents of Police (SPs) are tasked with identifying such officers, and this will be considered during the distribution of duties in January.
Expressing full confidence in the police's readiness, the IGP called for cooperation from all stakeholders to maintain peace and ensure a free and neutral election. He also acknowledged the spread of misinformation and disinformation via social media, stating that these issues are being closely monitored.
When questioned about the progress of investigations into cases filed against police personnel, the IGP admitted limited advancements. However, 21 individuals have been arrested in connection with 19 murder cases and 37 other cases, while 30-31 accused remain at large.
Addressing false cases against civilians, he noted that recommendations have been made to exempt falsely implicated individuals after August 5, 2024, under Section 173. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has been instructed not to harass over 2,000 individuals involved in various lawsuits.
Present at the briefing were Khulna Range DIG Rezaul Haque, Commissioner of KMP Mohammad Zulfikar Ali Haider, and other senior police officials.