Police must be free from partisan influence and people-friendly: Home Minister

He said these things as the chief guest at the closing parade of the first phase of basic training of trainee Assistant Superintendents of Police of the 27th BCS (Police) batch at Sardah Bangladesh Police Academy in Rajshahi on Sunday (August 2) morning.

The Home Minister said the present government is following a 'zero tolerance' policy against corruption. Police officers must also ensure utmost honesty, transparency and accountability in performing their duties. He urged everyone to remain cautious so that no one gets involved in any kind of corruption, irregularity or abuse of power.

He said the police is an important law enforcement agency of the state. Therefore, instead of protecting the interests of any individual, party or group, they must perform their duties being accountable to the constitution, law and the people. Earning the people's trust and confidence is the biggest strength of the police.

Emphasising the need to acquire modern technology-based skills to meet the challenges of the digital age, the Home Minister said cybercrime, digital fraud and technology-dependent crimes are increasing rapidly. To curb these crimes, it is necessary to increase technological capabilities and master modern investigation methods. At the same time, he urged them to develop the mindset of working as friends and servants of the common people.

He further said that the police force has been damaged in various ways in the past. To overcome that situation and restore public trust, there is no alternative to professionalism, neutrality and humane behaviour. He also instructed police members to give utmost importance to ensuring that no citizen is harassed while coming to receive services.

Through the event, the six-month basic training of 58 trainee Assistant Superintendents of Police of the 27th BCS (Police) batch came to an end. After the training, which began on February 1, they were prepared for field-level duties through the closing parade.

At the event, the Home Minister distributed prizes among the trainees who achieved excellence in various subjects. Trainee Assistant Superintendent of Police Dr. Md. Nurul Huda Bhuiyan won the 'Best Probationer' and 'Best in Field Activities' awards. Abu Noman Mohammad Khairul Islam received the 'Best Academic Award', and A B M Mamun was selected as 'Best Shooter'.

Special guests present at the closing ceremony were Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir, and Principal of Bangladesh Police Academy Additional IGP G M Azizur Rahman. Dr. Md. Nurul Huda Bhuiyan served as parade commander.