‘Won’t stand extrajudicial activities’ - PM tells police

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday asked the police administration to remain neutral and operate strictly as per the law so that police stations can be trusted by people as reliable support centres in times of need.

“My message is clear: the police administration does not belong to any political party, and it must be run in accordance with the law. It’s your responsibility to ensure that no innocent person becomes a victim of harassment,” he said.

Tarique made the remarks while addressing the “Welfare Parade” organised as part of Police Week-2026 at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in the Rajarbagh Police Lines. The PM also inaugurated Police Week-2026, first during his tenure, reports UNB.

Police members placed various demands before the prime minister, including a separate pay scale, overtime allowances equivalent to 50 percent of basic salary, and honorary promotions for personnel from constable to inspector ranks upon retirement.

Speaking at the event, Tarique said the relationship between police personnel and the public must be legal and humane, based on trust and confidence.

“In case of trouble or crisis, people should be able to consider police stations as their reliable place of shelter, this is what I expect from you.”

He stressed the need to make police stations more accessible and people-friendly, so that people can lodge complaints without fear and receive remedies.

The PM said the government wants to ensure the rule of law while upholding human rights, noting that enforced disappearances, abductions or extrajudicial activities are unacceptable under any circumstances.

He opined that a democratic government accountable to the people has been established through the people’s vote, and public expectations from the government are therefore very high. “Such expectations must be reflected in the work of police.”

“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.

“I don’t want to elaborate further on this issue. Let our pledge during Police Week-2026 be that Bangladesh will never return to fascist rule again.”

Congratulating police personnel for their role during the February 12 election, he said, “You have proved that it is certainly possible for the police to perform their duties impartially.”

Calling police officials “ambassadors” of the government at the field level, he said, “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.”.

Tarique said police must target drug suppliers and the roots of narcotics through strict enforcement of the law as there is public concern over drugs and online gambling. The government does not want to compromise on issue like drugs, terrorism, and corruption.

He said the government is committed to strengthening the institutional dignity, professionalism, and public confidence of the Bangladesh Police.

DEMANDS

Police personnel from different ranks also sought interest-free motorcycle loans for field-level investigations and increased allowances. Officers said investigators currently receive between Tk 2,000 and Tk 6,000, depending on the nature of cases.

The prime minister listened to the demands and assured police members that the government would consider these in line with the state’s capacity and public interest.

Speaking at the event, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed backed several of the proposals, including overtime allowances and motorcycle loans for sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors.

He also proposed honorary promotions at retirement, under which constables would become honorary ASIs and ASIs honorary sub-inspectors.

Constable Tushana Imran of Khulna Metropolitan Police said many officers retire in the same rank in which they joined the force and urged the government to introduce honorary promotions for lower-ranked police personnel.

Officer-in-Charge Kamrul Hasan Talukdar of Airport Police Station proposed motorcycles for ASIs and SIs to improve field operations.

The PM said the demands have “valid reasons” but raised concerns over the ethics of providing interest-free vehicle loans when farmers still receive loans with interest.

Mir Ashraf Ali, deputy inspector general of the Special Branch, called for a separate pay scale for police similar to those enjoyed by the judiciary and armed forces, citing the force’s long working hours and specialised responsibilities. He added that police in many countries enjoy separate pay structures.

He also urged the government to lift restrictions on releasing funds for police infrastructure and resume stalled projects involving police stations, barracks, and outposts.

At the programme, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir stressed the need to increase manpower, saying that the number of operational police personnel remains low compared with the country’s population and international standards.

Salahuddin also proposed establishing two new police academies in Chattogram’s Jungle Salimpur area following recent anti-crime operations there. Earlier, a Rab member was killed in an attack in the area.

Presenting several welfare recommendations to the prime minister, the home minister said introducing overtime allowances for duties beyond regular working hours is essential to boost morale. The initiative is expected to cover ranks from inspector down to constable.

On healthcare, he noted that the prime minister already approved the modernisation of central and divisional police hospitals.