Dhaka: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam today stated that the forthcoming national parliamentary election presents a crucial opportunity for the Bangladesh Police to rebuild public trust. He emphasized that while elections pose significant challenges, they also offer a pivotal chance to overcome past negative perceptions and enhance the police’s image.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the police chief made these remarks during a Special Crime Review Meeting held at the Hall of Pride of the Police Headquarters, as mentioned in a press release. Alam highlighted the importance of seizing this opportunity to shift the negative public perception of the police. He urged all officers to work diligently towards gaining the public’s trust.
Alam issued directives for the police force to intensify efforts in recovering looted weapons, gathering intelligence, and increasing awareness about the Home Ministry’s reward for weapon recovery. He also instructed unit heads to enhance election-related training, ensure the timely issuance of police clearance certificates without causing harassment, file cases based on complaints from the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, and prioritize investigations into cases stemming from the anti-discrimination movement.
The IGP further emphasized the need for improving the quality of investigations and maintaining professionalism within the force. During the meeting, police commissioners, DIGs, and SPs engaged in discussions with the IGP on various administrative and operational matters.
The meeting saw the attendance of key figures including DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General (DG) AKM Shahidur Rahman, Special Branch (SB) Chief Md. Golam Rasul, Additional IGPs, and heads of different police units. All range DIGs and district SPs participated in the meeting virtually. Additionally, Additional IGP (Crime and Operations) Khondaker Rafiqul Islam presented a report on the overall law and order and crime situation.