Police not a tool of any political party: Home Minister

Bangla Press Desk:   Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the police are not a “stick-wielding force” for any political party or group but are meant to serve the people.

He made the remarks on Saturday (28 March) while addressing the passing-out parade of the 43rd BCS probationary Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) batch at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah of Rajshahi.The minister said the current government believes the police should not act on behalf of any particular party or faction but should function as a friend of the public.

“Our election manifesto pledged to ensure public safety and to transform the police into a modern, service-oriented and humane organisation free from partisan influence,” he said.

He added that the government has already undertaken several initiatives, including increasing manpower, to build a professional and modern police force and to instil the right institutional mindset.The home minister also said the government is working to establish an independent and strong Police Reform Commission.

Referring to concerns raised by police personnel, Salahuddin Ahmed said many officers were not satisfied with the current police uniform. He said the government would consider introducing a more traditional and appropriate uniform after discussions at the highest levels.

Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir, Police Academy Principal Additional IGP GM Azizur Rahman and Vice Principal DIG Basu Deb Banik, among other senior officials, were present at the event.

Probationary ASP Ahmed Sadman Sakib served as parade commander during the ceremony.