Staff Reporter :
Senior police officials have emphasized the need for public service, unity, and community support to restore the force’s image and curb crime.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam stated that there is no magical solution to tackling crime, while Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali highlighted the importance of serving the public to overcome the lingering trauma from recent incidents.
Additionally, the Addl DMP Commissioner called for greater public cooperation in crime prevention efforts.
“We do not have any magical solution,” the IGP remarked while responding to journalists’ questions at an event organized by the Bangladesh Retired Police Officers’ Welfare Association, was held at Rajarbagh Police Lines in the capital on Saturday.
“Given the circumstances we are facing, we are taking steps to address these challenges, and we’ve directed Superintendents of Police (SPs) across the country to take appropriate actions,” he said.
When questioned about the increasing incidents of theft, robbery, and murder in Dhaka and other parts of the country, IGP Baharul Alam stressed the importance of rejuvenating the police force.
“We are working to motivate our officers and restore their confidence. Our goal is to get closer to the community, build trust, and seek the public’s cooperation. We are also reaching out to representatives from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement to help strengthen our community engagement,” he explained.
Regarding promotions within the police force, the IGP shared that promotions are being granted to officers who are near retirement, with only 10 to 12 days of service left, as a way to honor and recognize them.
On the recent threats faced by student coordinators in different districts, the IGP assured that the police have thoroughly analyzed and resolved each incident.
“We have conducted investigations into the robbery in Kaliakoir and the mobile snatching in Narayanganj,” he stated.
He also mentioned the arrest of a 10th-grade student from Mymensingh, who was later released into the custody of his parents.
Additionally, he referred to the arrest of Zahid Hasan in Sirajganj by the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police in connection with threats made to a student named Meher from BRAC University.
“We are addressing each of these incidents, though not all of them are related,” he said, underscoring the police’s commitment to resolving all cases.
Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali urged police officers to serve the public to restore the force’s image and overcome the trauma from the July incident.
Speaking at a Retired Police Officers’ Welfare Association event in Rajarbagh, he acknowledged the social stigma faced by officers and stressed that regaining pride requires dedication to public service.
“We still feel ashamed of introducing ourselves as police officers in various social events,” the DMP commissioner said.
“To come out from trauma, we must dedicate ourselves to serving the people of this country. Only through services we can regain our lost glory and image InshaAllah.”
He encouraged officers to engage collectively with the Administrative Reform Commission to push for police demands, highlighting unity and pledging his support, including financial assistance.
On the other hand, Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) SN Md Nazrul Islam called upon the public to assist law enforcement agencies by providing information on drug dealers, extortionists, and land grabbers.
Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting held at a community center in Rupnagar Police Station area in the capital on Saturday, he said, “Assist us by providing information. We will take the necessary action against the perpetrators.”
He also said, “If any police personnel are involved in any crimes, please share that information as well. None will be spared.”
