No police officer with a controversial background will be assigned to leadership roles in the upcoming national election, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said on Saturday (November 15).
“Although the list of controversial officers has not been prepared yet, SPs and DIGs of the respective districts are in the process of identifying them,” he told reporters at a press briefing at the Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) lines.
Earlier, the IGP attended an internal training programme aimed at preparing police personnel to conduct the next election in a fair and peaceful manner.
He said people across the country are eagerly waiting to cast their votes, while the current interim government is committed to ensuring a free, impartial and credible election.
Read more: Over 48,000 police officers complete election training: Police HQ
Referring to controversies surrounding the last three national elections, the IGP said the police are undergoing extensive training to ensure that past mistakes are not repeated. “Some members of Bangladesh Police deviated from their duties or were compelled to make mistakes in the last three elections. This time, the training is focused on correcting those mistakes. Our members are motivated to help deliver a successful election.”
He mentioned that the previous elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024 had drawn various forms of criticism. “Unfortunately, we were also subjected to that criticism because we were involved. We made mistakes—or were forced to make them. This time, we aim to avoid all bad practices, malpractices and biases, and fulfill the interim government’s promise of holding the most credible election.”
On the issue of countering terrorism, the IGP said, they do not want to suppress terrorism through crossfire.
“We want to maintain the rule of law by ensuring criminals are brought before the court. Every individual in society is a source of our strength. Policing cannot succeed through police efforts alone,” he added.
Addressing concerns over cyber threats in the upcoming election, he admitted that law enforcement remains vulnerable. “Some people are making anything viral on social media using AI in the name of freedom of expression. We first inform the BTRC, which then notifies Meta. Sometimes Meta removes about 40 percent of such content, but not all. The police have limitations in this area.”
Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Zulfiqar Ali Haider, Khulna Range DIG Md. Rezaul Karim, and senior officials from various units of the Khulna Division Police were present at the event.
Read more: Effective election management foundation of credible democracy: CEC