Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called upon police personnel to try their best to ensure peace and security of the country's people. "Ensuring peace and security of the country's people depends largely on the role of the police. You should try your best to ensure the safety of lives and property of the people-this is what the government expects from you," he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, made the call while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Police Week 2026 at the Rajarbagh Police Lines ground this morning. Urging the police members to commit themselves to a new oath, the Prime Minister said, "Our responsibility does not end with remembrance alone. It is our sacred duty to protect the independence of Bangladesh at any cost, for which our police brothers sacrificed their lives."
"Let no fascism or autocracy ever again be able to use police members against the independence of Bangladesh and its people. Standing on this soil stained with the blood of police during the very first moment of independence, let us today once again pledge ourselves to a new oath," he added.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the current government, formed with the people's verdict after a bloody student-people mass uprising in 2024, reflects the aspirations of the country's freedom-loving and democracy-seeking people. Victims of past repression and rights deprivation now expect peace and security under the current democratic government, he explained.
Recalling the sacrifices of police members martyred in the Liberation War, Tarique Rahman said, "This is that historic Rajarbagh Police Lines where on the night of March 25, 1971, the occupation forces carried out a barbaric attack in the name of 'Operation Searchlight' on sleeping police personnel and killed hundreds of them."
Praising the role of police members in the 13th National Parliament election, the Prime Minister affirmed, "The 13th National Parliament election has proven that it is possible for Bangladesh Police to perform their duties with efficiency and professionalism. Not only in the country, Bangladesh Police has also been working with efficiency and reputation in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions."
Members of Bangladesh Police have demonstrated professionalism, courage, and humanity in maintaining peace, law and order, and protecting human rights in different countries, he noted, highlighting the internationally recognized role of women police members in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
"Therefore, humane behavior from the police is expected not only abroad, but also with the people of the country," the premier said. He also referred to police resistance at Rajarbagh and Major Ziaur Rahman's declaration of revolt in Chattogram during the Liberation War, emphasizing the indomitable spirit of the freedom-loving people.
Reflecting on the historical context, the Prime Minister remarked that questions remain about the strategies of the political leadership during March 1971, a subject for ongoing research into Bangladesh's independence.
Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister congratulated the police and RAB members participating in the parade and wished success for Bangladesh Police Week 2026. Earlier, he inaugurated the four-day-long Police Week 2026 with the theme "Amar Police, Amar Desh, Sobar Agey Bangladesh (My Police, My Country, Bangladesh Comes First)." Prime Minister's wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman was also present at the inaugural ceremony. Later, they visited the stall of the Bangladesh Police Women's Welfare Association (PUNAK).