Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today emphasized that building trust between the police and the public is crucial for effective crime control. Urging police officers to earn the people’s trust and ensure that no innocent individuals face harassment, he stated, “The police administration does not belong to any party; it will be governed by statutory law. It is your responsibility to ensure that no innocent person is subjected to harassment.”
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister, who also serves as the ruling BNP chairman, made these remarks during the police ‘Welfare Parade’ at the Rajarbagh Police Auditorium, commemorating Police Week 2026. He highlighted the importance of the police becoming a symbol of trust and security for the people, which he believes equates to the success of both the police and the government.
The Prime Minister reminded attendees that the police’s duty is to “suppress the wicked and nurture the virtuous,” urging a trust-based relationship between police and citizens. He emphasized that people should view police stations as reliable shelters in times of crisis, reinforcing that public ownership of the state should be reflected in police interactions with citizens.
He further stated that individuals typically approach the police for help when in trouble, making it essential to create a perception that their troubles will diminish upon visiting a police station. Legal actions should always be accompanied by a touch of humanity to enhance the government’s image positively, he added.
Tarique Rahman described police officers as government ambassadors at the field level, capable of playing a vital role in any situation with their skills and decisions. Highlighting the government’s priority on law and order, he criticized the previous government for using the police for narrow political interests and stressed the importance of gaining and maintaining public trust.
In the context of contemporary challenges, the Prime Minister underscored the need for a skilled, modern, and humane police force equipped with technological expertise. The government, he affirmed, is committed to building a technology-based policing system and will consider police demands positively.
He stressed the importance of creating an environment where citizens can lodge complaints without intermediaries and emphasized cooperation between police and the public. The Prime Minister also reiterated the government’s firm stance against drugs, terrorism, and corruption, urging police to tackle these issues through strict law enforcement.
Addressing the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he advocated for the expansion of emerging technologies like cyber police and AI to combat multidimensional challenges. The government aims to uphold the rule of law while protecting human rights and ensuring public trust in the police.
Finally, Tarique Rahman emphasized the need for a skilled and modern police force, promising to address police welfare issues such as housing and medical facilities. He acknowledged the difficulties faced upon assuming office but pledged to gradually meet all commitments, aiming to build a prosperous, democratic, and humane Bangladesh.
The event concluded with the Prime Minister expressing gratitude to the attending officials and their families, along with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, and other senior government officials present at the programme.