Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjad Ali has said that the police are free, fair, and neutral national election,0 as part of the way to overcome the stigma associated with the controversial 2018 polls.

He made the remarks on Friday night while speaking as the chief guest at the 42nd founding anniversary celebration of the  Crime Reporters Association, Bangladesh (CRAB) in Dhaka.

“As per the Chief Adviser’s announcement, the national parliamentary election will be held in February next year. We are already preparing to ensure a neutral and acceptable election,” the DMP Commissioner said.

“We are working to erase the stigma the police suffered in the 2018 election. For this, we need your support and cooperation.”

He added a popular ³³3³0and impartial election is essential, not just for national unity, but also to gain the trust of the international community.

The DMP chief said the morale of the police had suffered after August 5, but has since been restored through collective efforts.

The programme was presided over by CRAB President Mirza Mehedi Tamal and moderated by General Secretary MM Badsha.

Earlier in the day, the DMP Commissioner handed over crests to the children of CRAB members for their outstanding reault performance in the SSC exams.