Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged the Bangladesh Police to remain politically neutral and carry out their responsibilities strictly in accordance with the law, emphasizing that police stations must become trusted and people-friendly institutions for citizens seeking justice and protection.He made the remarks while addressing the “Welfare Parade” organised as part of Police Week-2026 at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh Police Lines in the capital.
Delivering a strong message to law enforcement officials, the Prime Minister said the police administration does not belong to any political party and must always function impartially under the rule of law.
“My message is clear: the police administration does not belong to any political party. It must be operated in accordance with the law. No innocent person should become a victim of harassment,” he said.
Tarique Rahman stressed that restoring public trust in law enforcement should be one of the top priorities of the police force. According to him, crime control and public safety become much easier when people have confidence in the police.
“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,” the Prime Minister said.
Highlighting the humanitarian role of the police, he stated that law enforcement must not only focus on controlling crime but also ensure humane behaviour toward citizens.
“The role of the police is to suppress the wicked and nurture the righteous. The relationship between police and the public must be both legal and humane, based on trust and confidence,” he added.
The Prime Minister said ordinary citizens should feel safe and respected when visiting police stations during times of crisis or distress. He called for police stations to become more accessible, transparent, and citizen-friendly.
“We want police stations to become places where people can go directly without any intermediary, lodge complaints without fear and receive remedies,” he said.
Referring to the country’s current democratic environment, Tarique Rahman said the government was formed through the people’s mandate, and therefore public expectations from state institutions, including the police, remain very high.
He said police members have a responsibility to uphold public confidence in a democratic government through fair and professional conduct.
“The people are the owners of the state. When they come to a police station in distress, they should feel that sense of ownership in the way they are treated,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the difficult period the country had experienced under what he described as a “fascist government,” alleging that the police force had previously been used for narrow political interests against the people.
“The fascist government placed the police force against the people for its political interests. After overcoming that dark period, the time has now come to move forward in a new way,” he said.
Tarique Rahman emphasized that gaining and maintaining public trust is now the biggest challenge facing Bangladesh Police. He urged officers to take a pledge during Police Week-2026 that the country would never return to authoritarian rule.
Addressing law enforcement practices, he instructed police officials to ensure that no innocent citizen faces unnecessary harassment while legal action should be taken strictly where required.
“If there is a touch of humanity in your actions, the government’s achievements will leave a positive impression on people’s minds through you,” he added.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of continuing community policing initiatives and Open House Day programmes to strengthen public engagement in policing activities.
Referring to the February 12 national election, Tarique Rahman praised police members for performing their duties in what he described as a neutral and professional manner 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,” he said while congratulating members of the force on behalf of democracy-loving citizens.
Describing police officers as the government’s “field-level ambassadors,” he said their prompt and strategic decisions often play a vital role in controlling difficult situations and maintaining public order.
“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,” he said.
The Prime Minister also warned about the growing challenges posed by cybercrime and technology-based criminal activities. He noted that alongside conventional crimes such as child marriage, violence against women and children, theft, robbery and riots, cybercrime has emerged as a major concern globally and nationally.
He expressed concern over cyberbullying, online gambling, financial fraud, juvenile gangs and organised crime networks using digital platforms for criminal activities.
“There is public concern over drugs and online gambling. Police must target drug suppliers and the roots of narcotics through strict enforcement of the law,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance stance, Tarique Rahman stated that there would be no compromise regarding drugs, terrorism and corruption.
“Our government’s position against drugs, terrorism and corruption is very clear. We do not want to compromise on these issues,” he added.
Highlighting the changing global landscape, the Prime Minister said the world has entered the era of artificial intelligence and advanced digital technology, which has also transformed the nature of crime.
He stressed the need to modernize Bangladesh Police by strengthening technological capabilities, expanding cyber policing, increasing digital forensic facilities and enhancing 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 observed.
Tarique Rahman also reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring human rights and the rule of law. He clearly stated that enforced disappearances, abductions and extrajudicial activities would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The Prime Minister further said the government is working to improve the institutional dignity, professionalism and public image of Bangladesh Police through merit-based recruitment, promotions and transfers.
He also mentioned that the government is considering improving facilities for police personnel, including better housing, healthcare services, modern training and increased risk allowances.
Earlier in the day, Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated Police Week-2026 and inspected the colourful annual police parade at Rajarbagh Police Lines.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir and other senior officials attended the programme.