Police are state employees; don’t serve any party: Jahangir

Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs, has said that the police do not serve any political party, as they are state employees funded by taxpayers. He emphasised that the primary responsibility of the police force is to serve the public and uphold the rule of law.

He made the remarks on Sunday (18 January) while delivering the keynote speech at the passing-out parade of Assistant Police Superintendents at the Sarada Police Academy in Rajshahi.

Regarding election duties, he stated that protecting human dignity and upholding the rule of law largely depend on the conduct of police personnel at the field level. “Peace cannot be maintained solely through the use of force; public trust must be earned,” he added.

He further assured that the police force is fully prepared to ensure that the upcoming national parliamentary election is free, fair, and impartial. Nearly 100,000 police personnel have received special training to ensure election security.

Jahangir also emphasised that police must remain completely neutral while performing election duties, and no unethical favors or hospitality should be accepted. Any disorder at polling stations must be strictly controlled under the guidance of the Returning Officer.