No one should ever be able to misuse police: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has cautioned against any attempt to misuse law enforcement agencies, saying that the police must never be used against the independence, rights and safety of the people.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Police Week 2026 held at Rajarbagh Police Lines on Sunday (May 10), the prime minister called for renewed commitment to uphold the rule of law and public safety.

He said the police must remain a neutral force dedicated to protecting citizens, adding that “no form of authoritarianism or fascism should ever be able to use police members against the people’s democratic rights.”

Recalling the events of 1971, she highlighted the role of Rajarbagh Police Lines during the Liberation War, noting the resistance of police personnel in the early phase of the conflict. He said the history of that period still raises important questions for researchers studying the country’s independence movement.

The prime minister said the government formed through the people’s mandate following years of political struggle and a “mass uprising” in 2024 reflects the aspirations of democratic forces. He stressed that citizens, after years of political unrest, now expect peace and stability, which depends largely on the efficiency of the police force.

He directed law enforcement agencies to ensure maximum effort in safeguarding lives and property, stating that maintaining public security is a core responsibility of the police.

She also praised the professionalism of the Bangladesh Police in national elections and international peacekeeping missions, saying the force has earned global recognition for its role in maintaining peace, law and order, and human rights protection. He specifically highlighted the contribution of female police officers in UN peacekeeping operations.

Senior officials, including Salahauddin Ahmed and Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, received the Prime Minister upon her arrival at the venue. He later inspected the police parade and took salute from the ceremonial march.

This year’s Police Week carries additional attention as it also marks the first formal inauguration of the event by the Prime Minister in office.

Meanwhile, the programme began amid controversy after the government reportedly suspended the awarding of the Bangladesh Police Medal and President’s Police Medal. The decision affected 109 nominated officers, with officials citing allegations of irregularities and inclusion of controversial names in the selection list.

Sources suggest the move has triggered dissatisfaction within parts of the police force, as the award process has long faced questions regarding transparency.

The four-day-long Police Week 2026 will include professional workshops, welfare discussions, performance reviews and planning sessions for future policing strategies.