Govt working to make police more people-friendly through accountability: Home minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today (8 June) said the government is working to make the police force more service-oriented and people-friendly by strengthening accountability, recognising good performance and taking action against misconduct.

He made the remarks while briefing journalists after an award ceremony at the Ministry of Home Affairs conference room at the Secretariat, where 15 police personnel were honoured for their roles in three recent high-profile cases.

The minister said the government believes in the principles of rewarding good work and punishing wrongdoing.

He said recognising outstanding performance and addressing misconduct would encourage police members to be more responsible, sincere and professional in carrying out their duties.

At the event, 15 police personnel received certificates and financial awards for their contributions to three notable incidents.

Each recipient was awarded Tk20,000 from the ministry's special fund, while three members of the Naval Police received the IG Badge.

Salahuddin said such recognition is usually given at annual programmes organised by Police Headquarters or Rajarbagh Police Lines.

However, the ministry arranged the ceremony to provide immediate encouragement to officers working in the field.

Responding to questions from journalists, he said the government had succeeded in overcoming the image crisis faced by the police following the events of 5 August 2024.

According to the minister, the police have become more people-friendly and regained public trust.

He also said crime rates had declined significantly compared with the previous two years, citing government statistics, and that the overall law and order situation had improved.

Commenting on a recent report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), Salahuddin said the organisation is not a government body and prepares reports based on media reports rather than field-level investigations.

He said the ministry relies on crime data collected regularly from district authorities, but examines media reports whenever allegations arise.

The minister acknowledged that budget allocations for investigations and post-mortems may not always be sufficient.

He said the ministry is considering increasing allocations to strengthen investigations, post-mortem examinations and police patrol activities.

On action against police officers who went into hiding following the fall of the previous government, he said no leniency would be shown.

He added that departmental proceedings had been initiated against the officers concerned, and investigations were nearing completion.

Those facing cases under the ICT Act or Penal Code would also be tried under existing laws.

The awards recognised police personnel involved in the investigation of the Ramisa rape and murder case under Pallabi Police Station, the rescue of passengers from a bus at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat, and the investigation of a teenage girl's rape and murder case in Munshiganj's Gajaria.

Senior officials attending the event included Home Ministry Secretary (Routine Duties) Ziauddin Ahmed, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir and DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed.