‘Police members mustn’t see themselves as political activists’
Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Home Affairs Adviser, has said that police members must refrain from considering themselves political activists.
He made the remarks on Monday (27 October) while delivering a speech as the chief guest at a special crime review meeting organised by Bangladesh Police at the ‘Hall of Pride’ conference room of Police Headquarters.
The meeting, chaired by Police Commissioner (IGP) Baharul Alam, was attended by DIGs of various police ranges, Metropolitan Police Commissioners, and District Police Superintendents via CISCO video conference. Senior officials of Police Headquarters were also present.
The Home Affairs Adviser noted that ahead of the upcoming elections, political parties have begun mutual dialogue and discussions. In this context, police members must refrain from supporting any political party, granting or accepting special favors, or considering themselves political activists.
He emphasised that the police play a crucial role in ensuring a free, fair, and impartial national parliamentary election. The greatest responsibility to meet the expectations of the public, political parties, and all stakeholders lies with the police. He expressed confidence that Bangladesh Police will set a standard in the forthcoming national election that will be admired both domestically and internationally. He added that both the Bangladesh Police and the current interim government are working toward this goal.
The Home Affairs Adviser stressed that law enforcement should not rely solely on power but must be grounded in equity, integrity, and humanity. He reminded police that in the election arena, they are not just law enforcers but symbols of public safety, trust, and democratic rights.
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury also mentioned that the police maintain a list of fascists—individuals directly involved in creating unrest in society and the state. Many of these criminals have committed offenses even after being granted bail. He called on the police to increase arrests to prevent the illegal activities, propaganda, anti-political actions, crimes, and disruptive marches of these fascists, while ensuring that innocent citizens are not harassed.