We don’t believe in using police as political weapon: Hasina

Dhaka (risingbd24.com) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that her government does not believe in using the police force as a political weapon.

“We don’t believe in using the police force as a political weapon,” she said and directed the members of Bangladesh Police to bring the criminals under the purview of law disregarding whoever he or she might be.

Inaugurating the Police Week 2013 at a function at Rajarbagh Police Lines, Hasina said: “Whoever the law breaker, it is the responsibility of the police to bring them under the purview of the law.”

She mentioned that the police will have to act as per the law to ensure public security and this is the task of the force.

The Prime Minister asked the police to increase the use of technology in identifying the criminals and gathering intelligence, cutting down dependence on traditional “source” system.

Assuring all out government support in preventing regional and international crimes, unearthing facts and collecting evidence and information on high tech crimes, she asked the police force to acquire special skill for implementing E-policing through increasing use of ICT.

Hasina said police should be time-befitting in identifying and combating the transnational crimes like terrorism, Cyber crime, money laundering, drugs and human trafficking, and illegal arms trade.

She mentioned that the role of police force is of vital importance in ensuring internal security, improving law and order, curbing crimes, upholding human rights and establishing rule of law.

Termed the Bangladesh Police as a traditional organisation, she said it is engaged in establishing peace, justice and discipline in the society.

The Prime Minister said the present government has adopted the three-year strategic plan for the police force.  Besides, industrial police has already been introduced and establishment of Tourist Police, Campus Police and Marine Police is nearing completion.

She praised the police force for their responsible role in containing militancy, terrorism and extremism, and in the investigation of Bangabandhu murder case and BDR killing case.

Hasina said the government has taken steps to reach the services of police to the door steps of the people. “Nowadays, due to the proper discharge of duties by the police, peace and confidence have returned among the people.”

Recalling the sacrifices of the members of police force on the dark night of 25 March 1971, she said that in recognition of their huge sacrifice, her government for the first time awarded the force with Swadhinata Award 2011.

The Prime Minister said that after assuming office this time, her government has undertaken measures to turn the police force into a modern, dynamic and time-befitting “pro-people service.”

She mentioned that the IGP rank badge, which was first introduced by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has been reintroduced after 28 years.

Hasina said that considering the life risk of on duty police, the government increased the amount of donation to taka one lakh from taka fifty thousand in case of sustaining injury on duty while taka five lakh from taka three lakh in case of death while on duty.

She also mentioned that the present government has already created over 27, 516 new posts including 500 Cadre posts, which increased the capability of the police and the scope of their promotion.

The Prime Minister also listed some other steps of her government including increasing family rations and construction of barracks and procurement of vehicles and equipment for the police.

Besides, she said initiatives are underway to ensure more participation of the members of Bangladesh Police in the UN peacekeeping missions.

Earlier, different units of Bangladesh Police presented a spectacular parade. The Prime Minister, riding a well-decorated open jeep, inspected the parade and took the salute.

She also adorned 67 members of police force with the Bangladesh Police Medal and President’s Police Medal for their outstanding contributions in 2012.

Meanwhile, on her arrival at the Raharbagh Police Lines ground, the Prime Minister was received by Home Minister Dr MK Alamgir, State Minister for Home Affairs advocate Shamsul Haq Tuku and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Hassan Mahmud Khandaker.