Police must stay neutral, avoid party politics: Home adviser
The home adviser warned that attempts are being made to create unrest centring the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
Highlights
- Police urged to stay neutral, avoid party politics
- Transparency key to public trust
- Postings to be done by lottery
- Puja unrest feared, alert issued
Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today (7 September) urged police personnel to refrain from siding with any political party.
"You must not work for any particular party or see yourself as a party activist," he addressed police officers at the inaugural session of a training programme at Rajarbagh Police Lines in Dhaka.
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The training programme aims to enhance the capability and skills of police officers for election duties.
Just like last year, efforts are underway to create instability during the Puja. We must remain on the highest alert this year as well
At the event, the adviser also urged police to exercise patience and follow legal procedures in handling situations.
"The more transparent we are in our work, the more trust we will gain from the people," he added.
He expressed hope that the upcoming election would be held in a peaceful, festive atmosphere. "This training will enhance the competence, confidence, and professionalism," he said.
Jahangir further said peaceful elections are not solely the responsibility of law enforcement agencies, reports UNB.
"There are several stakeholders – public and their level of participation, political parties and their approach, as well as the Election Commission, administration, and law enforcement agencies," he said, adding, "A free and fair election is not possible without everyone's cooperation."
He also urged police officers to move past memories of the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections and to help curb corruption and drug abuse in society.
On the issue of postings, the adviser admitted some challenges but reaffirmed his commitment to reforms.
"Before the election, I assure you [police] that postings will be done through a lottery system, as I promised. There will be obstacles, but I will not be influenced. If I remain in office, the process will be completed by lottery," he said.
'Instability being plotted ahead of Durga Puja'
Speaking at the programme, the home adviser warned that attempts are being made to create unrest centring the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
"Just like last year, efforts are underway to create instability during the Puja. We must remain on the highest alert this year as well," he said.
He also assured that law enforcement agencies are working to ensure maximum security for the celebrations.
