Salahuddin outlines steps to increase welfare benefits for police

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today (10 May) said the government has taken a series of initiatives aimed at ensuring welfare of the police personnel, including honorary promotions upon retirement and possible overtime allowances, as part of efforts to turn police into a modern and people-oriented force.

While addressing the "Welfare Parade" organised as part of Police Week-2026 at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in the Rajarbagh Police Lines, he also said the government will fulfil all logical demands of police members in line with the country's financial capacity.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was present as the chief guest while Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Monzur Morshed Chowdhury and Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, among others, addressed the programme.

Highlighting retirement-related benefits, Salahuddin said many police constables complete 40 years of service without receiving further promotion.

To address the issue, the government plans to introduce honorary promotions at retirement based on special policies and satisfactory service records, he said.

Under the proposal, eligible constables may receive an honorary promotion to the rank of assistant sub-inspector (ASI), ASIs to sub-inspector (SI) and SIs to the rank of inspector upon retirement, the minister said.

Besides, the government is considering introducing special overtime allowances for police personnel who work extended hours under a special policy framework, he said.

The proposed benefit may apply to officers from the rank of inspector down to constable and is expected to help improve morale and service quality, Salahuddin added.

Meanwhile, the government is also taking plans to modernise central and divisional police hospitals to improve physical and mental healthcare services for police members, considering their long working hours and heavy workload, he said, adding that the additional modern hospital facilities may also be constructed after necessary assessments.

On accommodation and infrastructure, the minister said the government remains committed to resolving accommodation shortages and improving office facilities for different police units, adding that land acquisition and funding for such projects are among government priorities.

Referring to current law and order, he said visible progress has been made over the past two months. "Special drives are underway against identified terrorists, extortionists and drug traffickers," he said.

Salahuddin also stressed the importance of advanced training for police personnel to combat evolving crimes linked to technological developments, including cybercrime, online gambling and money laundering.

Meanwhile, a committee has already been formed to put forward suggestions to update laws to tackle gambling, cybercrime and financial crimes more effectively, he said.

Besides, the existing laws will be amended and updated to curb mob culture, the minister said, instructing police personnel to carry out their duties in line with public expectations.