Home Minister warns police of criminal, even sedition cases for indiscipline
Salahuddin said the government has information that some field-level police members are neglecting their duties and, in some cases, secretly providing information or otherwise assisting forces of 'fascism'.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today (26 September) warned police members that disciplinary violations and criminal offences committed while performing their duties could lead to both departmental punishment and criminal proceedings, including sedition cases.
"Correct yourselves quickly. If anyone violates discipline or commits any kind of offence while performing their duties, we will not limit the matter to departmental punishment," he said while addressing the medal-awarding ceremony of Police Week 2026 as the chief guest.
He said the government has information that some field-level police members are neglecting their duties and, in some cases, secretly providing information or otherwise assisting forces of "fascism".
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"We will not limit ourselves to disciplinary action. If a criminal offence has been committed, justice will be ensured under the criminal law, Penal Code or CrPC, as applicable," he said.
Warning police officers who fail to understand public expectations, the minister said, "If any police officer, regardless of rank, fails to understand public expectations, the consequences will not be good."
He urged police to become people-friendly and refrain from conduct that appears abnormal or undemocratic to the public.
"People do not want to see us as kings or emperors. They want people-friendly police," he said, urging senior officers not to engage in activities that cause discomfort, unrest or distress among people and not to allow or tolerate such conduct by subordinates.
The minister said the government believes in "punishment and reward" and is continuously rewarding the virtuous and punishing wrongdoing, although it might not have been possible to ensure justice in every case.
He said the police force was politically misused and abused by the "fallen fascist forces" and was turned against the people. Many police members were compelled to follow illegal or unlawful orders, he said, adding that the government gave them an opportunity to reform and regain public trust.
At the same time, the minister said minor mistakes made in good faith while performing duties would be considered separately.
"If minor mistakes occur while performing duties in good faith, they will certainly be viewed accordingly," he said.
Focus on police reform
Salahuddin Ahmed stressed rebuilding public trust by transforming the police into a modern, technology-driven, humane and people-friendly institution in line with the aspirations and expectations of the July student-led mass uprising.
He said strengthening police capabilities while ensuring accountability, professionalism and neutrality is essential to restoring public trust.
The government has been working over the past seven months on institutional, legal and administrative reforms to restore the police's image and public trust, he said.
He said the government wants a police force that is modern in skill and professionalism, technologically capable, humane in conduct, firm in law enforcement and neutral in carrying out its duties.
Police capacity to be increased
The minister said the government would increase police manpower and capabilities if necessary, including recruiting officers and personnel through extensive short courses.
"Police strength, numbers, equipment and logistics will be increased as necessary, and we are increasing them," he said.
He also said reforms and transparency in the legal frameworks of various law enforcement agencies, including RAB, had been ensured in line with public aspirations and international human rights standards.
He said RAB has now been formed as SRB. A new law has also been enacted to modernise the Armed Police Battalion, or APBn, while investigation powers have been given to the force where necessary.
92 police members receive medals
At the ceremony, 92 police members received medals in recognition of bravery, honesty, efficiency, dedication, commendable and meritorious work, crime control, solving important cases and contributions to public service.
The minister handed over the Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM), BPM-Service, President's Police Medal (PPM) and PPM-Service to the recipients.
Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir chaired the event.
Senior Home Ministry Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury, Additional IGP (HRM) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam, Additional IGP (Administration) AKM Awlad Hossain, and senior officials from the Home Ministry and police headquarters were also present.
