Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Monday said that the upcoming national parliamentary election poses a major challenge for Bangladesh Police, but the force is fully prepared and capable to tackle the challenge.

 “The upcoming election is a significant opportunity for the police to overcome the negative image that was created among the public during past elections,” he said while speaking at a programme held at Police Headquarters.

He also urged all to work sincerely to earn the people’s trust by utilising the opportunity.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman, Special Branch (SB) Chief Md Golam Rasul, additional IGPs, heads of various police units in Dhaka, police commissioners and range DIGs were present.

Besides, all district superintendents of police (SPs) joined the meeting virtually.

Meanwhile, Additional IGP (Crime and Operations) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam presented an overview of the country’s overall law and order and crime situation.

The IGP also directed officers to intensify operations to recover looted or missing firearms and stressed the importance of gathering intelligence in this regard.

He also emphasised the need to raise public awareness about the rewards announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs for recovering illegal weapons.

The IGP instructed unit heads to closely oversee ongoing election-related training programs being conducted for police personnel.

He urged superintendents of police to ensure timely issuance of police clearance certificates without causing any harassment to applicants.

The police chief also instructed field-level officers to register cases based on complaints submitted to the Commission on enforced disappearances.

He also directed that cases arising from the anti-discrimination movement be investigated and disposed of with special attention, underscoring the need to enhance the quality of investigations.