Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday asked the police administration to remain neutral and operate strictly in accordance with the law so that police stations can be trusted by people as reliable support centres in times of need.
“My message is clear: the police administration does not belong to any political party, and it must be run in accordance with the law. It is your responsibility to ensure that no innocent person becomes a victim of harassment,” he said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing the “Welfare Parade” organised as part of Police Week-2026 at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in the Rajarbagh Police Lines.
He expressed the belief that crime control will become easier if police can build a relationship of trust with the public.
“If the police can become a symbol of trust and security for the people, that is where their success lies. The success of the police is also the success of the government,” Tarique Raman said.
He said the role of the police is to “suppress the wicked and nurture the righteous,” adding that the relationship between the police and the public must be both legal and humane, based on trust and confidence.
“In case of trouble or crisis, people should be able to consider the police station as their reliable place of shelter – this is what I expect from you,” the Prime Minister said.
He said no innocent person should face harassment and stressed the need to make police stations more accessible and people-friendly.
“We want police stations to become places where people can go directly without any intermediary, lodge complaints without fear and receive remedies,” Tarique Rahman said.
Referring to the current political context, he said a democratic government accountable to the people has been established through the people’s vote, and public expectations from the government are therefore very high.
Tarique Rahman said such public expectations must be reflected in the work of the police, as it is their responsibility to ensure that the people’s trust in a government accountable to them is upheld through their actions.
PM urges police to ensure no fascist force can ever use them against people
“The people are the owners of the state. If they are the owners, then when they come to a police station in distress, it is your duty to ensure that they feel, even in some extent, that sense of ownership in the way they are treated,” he said.
The Prime Minister said improving the country’s law-and-order situation and ensuring the safety of people’s lives and property are among the government’s highest priorities.
“The fascist government placed the police force against the people for its narrow political interests. After overcoming that dark period, the time has now come to move forward in a new way,” he said.
Tarique Rahman said he believes that earning the trust of the people and maintaining that trust are currently the biggest challenge for the police.
“I do not want to elaborate further on this issue. Let our pledge during Police Week-2026 be that Bangladesh will never return to fascist rule again,” he said.
The Prime Minister reminded police members that ordinary people first go to police stations seeking legal assistance during times of trouble.
“People do not go to police stations unless they are in danger. So, it is very important to create the confidence that their suffering will lessen once they go there,” he said.
Tarique Rahman asked police to take legal action wherever necessary, but stressed that humane behaviour alongside law enforcement will create a positive impression among the public about the government’s achievements.
“If there is a touch of humanity in your actions, the government’s successes will leave a positive impact on people’s minds through you,” he added.
The Prime Minister said initiatives like community policing and Open House Day should continue to involve people more closely in policing activities.
Referring to the role of police during the February 12 national election, he said police members performed their duties neutrally and professionally across the country during the “free, fair and impartial election” held in a “fascism-free Bangladesh.”
“You have proved that it is certainly possible for the police to perform their duties impartially,” the Prime Minister said, congratulating police personnel on behalf of the democracy-loving people of the country.
Calling police officials “ambassadors” of the government at the field level, he said their prompt and strategic decisions often play a crucial role in controlling difficult situations.
“You are not just members of a law enforcement agency; you are the first gateway to maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety and delivering justice,” Tarique Rahman said.
He said alongside conventional crimes such as child marriage, violence against women and children, theft, robbery and riots, cybercrime is rapidly increasing worldwide.
The Prime Minister said criminals are using online platforms in new ways and cyberbullying has become a serious concern, especially for women, describing organised crime, juvenile gangs, financial fraud and online gambling as growing threats.
“There is public concern over drugs and online gambling. I think police must target drug suppliers and the roots of narcotics through strict enforcement of the law,” he said.
“Our government’s position against drugs, terrorism and corruption is very clear. We do not want to compromise on these issues,” Tarique Rahman added.
Highlighting global technological changes, he said the world has entered the era of artificial intelligence, which has also transformed the nature of crime.
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh Police must become a technologically skilled, modern and efficient force through stronger crime analysis capabilities, effective use of advanced technology and wider application of scientific investigation methods.
“In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it has become urgent to expand cyber policing and the effective use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and big data analysis,” he said.
Tarique Rahman said the government is committed to building a modern technology-driven policing system.
He said the government is gradually taking steps to strengthen cybercrime control, prevent financial fraud, combat terrorism and transnational crimes and expand digital forensic facilities and international-standard training.
The Prime Minister said the government wants to ensure the rule of law while upholding human rights, noting that enforced disappearances, abductions or extrajudicial activities are unacceptable under any circumstances.
He said protecting citizens’ rights is both a moral and constitutional responsibility of every police member.
Tarique Rahman also said the government is committed to strengthening the institutional dignity, professionalism and public confidence of Bangladesh Police.
“We want to prioritise merit, competence, efficiency and integrity in transfers, promotions and police recruitment,” he said.
The Prime Minister said there is no alternative to modernising and strengthening the police force in line with the rapidly changing world order.
He said the government is considering expanding facilities for police personnel, including modern training, resolving accommodation crisis, improving healthcare services and increasing ration and risk allowances.
Referring to the current economic and global situation, Tarique Rahman said the government had assumed office amid a weak governance structure, deteriorating law and order and a fragile economy affected by corruption and misrule.
“We faced a global war situation within weeks of assuming office. Because of these realities, it is not possible to fulfil all expectations within a few weeks or months. But we will gradually implement every commitment,” he said.
The Prime Minister said countries like Bangladesh rely more on humanity, justice and national unity than military strength.
“We know our path is not easy, but our objective is noble. We want to build a prosperous, self-reliant, democratic, safe and humane Bangladesh,” he said.
“There is no alternative to a fair and professional police force to build such a peaceful and secure Bangladesh,” Tarique Rahman observed.
Earlier in the morning, Tarique Rahman inaugurated Police Week-2026 and inspected a colourful annual police parade at the Rajarbagh Police Lines ground.
At the end of the programme, the Prime Minister thanked all officials and their family members for attending it physically and virtually.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir and other senior officials were present at the event.