Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the Bangladesh Police must remain free from political influence and serve as a modern, technology-driven and people-oriented force, stressing that it should never act as an instrument of any political party or group.
He made the remarks while addressing the graduation parade of the first phase of the six-month basic training course for the 27th Bangladesh Civil Service (Police) cadre at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi.
The minister urged police personnel to maintain a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and enhance their technical expertise to tackle cybercrime and ensure cybersecurity. He said earning public trust by serving as friends and protectors of the people should be the force's foremost priority.
Referring to the previous government's tenure, Salahuddin said the police force had suffered institutional setbacks. He emphasised that citizens must not face harassment while seeking police services and called on officers to uphold professionalism and accountability. He also urged the force to work sincerely to meet the public expectations that emerged following the recent mass uprising.
A total of 58 probationary Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) of the 27th BCS (Police) batch formally entered service after completing the first phase of the six-month training programme, which began on February 1.
Following the parade, the home minister inspected the contingent, received the salute and distributed awards among the best-performing trainees.
Dr Md Nurul Huda Bhuiyan, who commanded the parade, received awards as Best Probationer and Best in Field Activities. Abu Numan Mohammad Khairul Islam won the Best Academic award, while ABM Mamun was named Best Shooter.
Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir, and Principal of the Bangladesh Police Academy (Additional IGP) GM Azizur Rahman attended the ceremony as special guests.
