'Sincerely thank police for their patience in tackling violence unleashed by BNP-Jamaat': PM
This year's Police Week, bearing the theme "Smart police smart country, Bangladesh of peace and progress," will run until 3 March, reflecting a commitment to modernising the force to better serve the nation
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has commended the police force for their patience and professionalism in addressing incidents of arson, vandalism, and violence perpetrated by BNP-Jamaat during the periods of 2013-2015 and late 2023.
"Police tackled the situation with utmost patience. I sincerely thank them for the patience they demonstrated," she said at the inauguration of Police Week 2024 in Dhaka's Rajarbagh Police Lines on Tuesday (27 February).
Outlining the vision of a developed and prosperous Bangladesh reliant on robust law enforcement, the prime minister asked the Bangladesh Police to intensify its efforts in eradicating militancy, terrorism, drug abuse, and corruption, underscoring these actions as pivotal for the nation's peace, stability, and future prosperity.
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"Our operation against militancy, terrorism, drugs, and corruption will persist. The police must play a proactive role. The peace and stability of our country are paramount for achieving our developmental goals," she said.
The premier also called on the police to bolster their image as "friends of the people" through professionalism, sincerity, and competence.
Sheikh Hasina asked the police to earn people's trust and confidence. "People of the country can now trust the police. We want you to serve the people more sincerely," she said.
Appreciating police personnel's role in the United Nations peacekeeping missions, the premier thanked the Bangladesh Police for their contribution to maintaining world peace.
Focusing on her government's measures and success in modernising the Bangladesh Police force since 2009, Sheikh Hasina said the government formed the Anti-Terrorism Unit and the Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Unit to eradicate militancy and terrorism.
She also recalled that her government formed the Police Bureau of Investigation, Highway Police, Industrial Police, Tourist Police, Naval Police, Special Security and Protection Battalion, and MRT Police to address crimes.
A DNA lab, modern forensic lab, automated fingerprint identification system, and chemical laboratory have already been set up for Bangladesh Police, she said, adding that all these labs and resources are functional in some divisional cities.
"We plan to set up such labs in every division in the future," said the prime minister.
She said the Cyber Police Centre has been set up to tackle cybercrimes and related crimes like financial crimes and money laundering. Besides, the CTTC of Dhaka Metropolitan Police and other units are also working to combat cybercrimes.
"We also have plans to set up a full-fledged cyber police unit," she said.
Sheikh Hasina said the government enhanced the number of police personnel and facilities for them significantly as well as arranged timely training.
"Today, I can claim that the police have been developed as a modern, competent, time-befitting, vibrant, and pro-people force," said the prime minister.
