“The change in police equipment is a change in 'hardware'. We need to change the 'software' [as well]. That means, changing the behaviour of police members,” the IGP said at an event organised for introduction of state-of-the-art operational gear (tactical belt) at Rajarbagh Police Auditorium.

Also read:Bangladesh police to be like developed countries by 2041: IGP

'Tactical belts' have been given to Bangladesh Police in order to build a modern and smart police force. The six-chamber tactical belt includes Thai holster with arms, wireless, handcuffs, expandable baton, torchlight and water bottle.

Members of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) will provide better services to the people using the newly-added operational gear from tomorrow, the Victory Day.

“Every police member will treat the people in such a way that people can imitate them. This requires a change in the mindset of the police members,” the IGP said.

More modern equipment for police

Also read:IGP wants corruption-free online recruitment process

He said that like developed countries, the equipment policemen usually use while performing their duties on the road, the new equipment will allow them to perform their duties 'hands-free'.

“This will change the get-up of Bangladesh Police like the police of developed countries, increase their efficiency and make it possible to provide immediate services to the people more easily,” he added.

IGP Benazir said police would use other weapons while carrying out operational duties in special cases. He said the operational gear would be introduced in all metropolitans, ranges and districts in phases.

Also read:Earning people's love and respect 'a huge achievement' for police: IGP

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the police force is being modernised with the aim of building Bangladesh Police as a people-friendly force, one of the additions of which is the 'Tactical Belt'. The trend of adding modern equipment will continue in the future as well, he said.

Also read: Ensure own protection, people’s safety: PHQ to policemen

Chaired by DMP Commissioner Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, the programme was also addressed among others by, Additional IGP (A&O) Md Moinur Rahman Chowdhury. Senior officers of the CMP, led by its Commissioner Saleh Mohammad Tanvir, attended the programme through a video conference. Senior police officials of the DMP and Police Headquarters were also present at the time.

Also read: Ensure optimum utilization of govt resources: IGP to his force