No force will be allowed to disrupt nat’l polls: IGP

Staff Reporter :

Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam has assured that no militant outfit or destabilising group will be able to undermine the forthcoming national election, as police units across the country remain on high alert.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Boyra Police Lines in Khulna today, the IGP said every arm of the force is working to ensure a free and free election.

He acknowledged that police actions in the previous three national polls had drawn controversy, as officers were pushed into partisan roles, but stressed that this time would be different.
He said the force has reflected on its past mistakes and is committed to operating with full neutrality in the coming election.

To support that shift, all police units are undergoing intensive, duty-oriented training, he added.
Earlier in the day, he visited election-related training at the Police Training Centre, the Armed Police Battalion, the Rapid Reserve Force and Khulna Metropolitan Police.

According to the IGP, the government’s goal is to deliver a free, fair and neutral election, placing significant responsibility on the police.

For the first time, officers are being trained to independently manage a disciplined and controversy-free polling environment.
He made it clear that officers who resist changing their previous mindset will not be given key roles.
Range DIGs and district Superintendents of Police have been instructed to identify such personnel, and the issue will be considered when duties are assigned in January. While expressing confidence in the force’s preparations, the IGP noted that cooperation from all stakeholders remains crucial to maintaining peace and ensuring a credible vote.
He also flagged concerns over the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media, including content generated through artificial intelligence, saying these issues are under close watch.
Responding to questions on cases filed against police personnel, he admitted that investigations had yet to make significant progress.
So far, 21 people have been arrested in connection with 19 murder cases and 37 other cases, while about 30 more suspects remain at large.
He added that instructions have been issued to exempt individuals falsely implicated in cases after 5 August 2024 under Section 173, and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has been directed not to harass more than 2,000 people named in various lawsuits.
Khulna Range DIG Rezaul Haque, KMP Commissioner Mohammad Zulfikar Ali Haider and other senior officials were present at the briefing.