Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today reiterated the government's firm stance on implementing a reward and punishment policy aimed at transforming the nation's law enforcement bodies into citizen-friendly and service-focused entities, aligning with the public's expectations post the July Mass Uprising. "The reward and punishment policy will continue. Police personnel who perform their duties with honesty, courage and patriotism will receive due recognition and rewards, while those who violate laws and regulations, obstruct public service or engage in misconduct will face strict administrative and legal action," he stated during a ceremony at the Home Ministry's conference room, where police personnel were awarded for acts of bravery and outstanding service.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, following the award ceremony, Ahmed addressed reporters on various contemporary and political matters. Responding to inquiries about the improvised explosive device discovered under the Motijheel Metro Rail Station, he dismissed any targeted motive towards the reverse Rath Yatra or any particular religious festival, attributing the timing to coincidence. He confirmed that the DMP Bomb Disposal Unit had successfully neutralized the device and that an investigation is ongoing.
Regarding the resignation and security measures for former President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Ahmed confirmed that the resignation letter had been duly submitted and accepted according to constitutional provisions. He emphasized that all citizens and political parties retain the right to express their opinions and stage protests following the Mass Uprising. He further assured that the constitutional immunity of the former president remains intact and that security is being provided through a coordinated effort involving the Special Security Force (SSF), the President's Guard Regiment (PGR), and the police.
When questioned about the absence of a police medal ceremony during this year's Police Week, the minister cited technical errors and irregularities in the preliminary list as the cause. He assured that the list is under review and that medals will be awarded to deserving officers once the verification process is complete.
During the event, Acting Secretary of the Home Ministry and Additional Secretary (Political and Immigration) Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed delivered the welcome address, with key figures such as Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir and Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed in attendance. The program was conducted by DIG (Confidential) at Police Headquarters Md Kamrul Ahsan.
In total, nine police personnel were recognized for their acts of bravery and commendable service. Seven were honored for swiftly recovering a migrant worker's lost passport and other critical documents, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the National Emergency Service 999 and the Dhaka Railway Police Station. The honored personnel included Inspector (Unarmed) Zainal Abedin, ASIs (Unarmed) Mohammad Humayun Kabir and Md Rajikul Islam, and Constables Md Shahinur Islam and Azmir Hossain from the Dhaka Railway Police Station, along with SI (Unarmed) Md Mizanur Rahman and Constable Bulbul Ahmed from the National Emergency Service 999. Additionally, two traffic sergeants, MS Mahmud Ali and Md Tuhinur Rahman Tuhin from the DMP Traffic Mirpur Division's Pallabi Zone, were recognized for arresting a snatcher.