Police must ensure innocent people not harassed: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged police personnel to earn public trust and ensure that no innocent person is subjected to harassment. He said controlling crime becomes easier when a relationship of trust is established between the police and the public.

"The police administration does not belong to any political party. It will be run according to the law. Ensuring that no innocent person is harassed is your duty," the prime minister said while addressing the Police Welfare Parade at the Rajarbagh Police Auditorium on Monday, May 11, marking Police Week 2026.

"If the police can become a symbol of trust and security to the people, that is where their success lies. The success of the police means the success of the government," he said.

"The police's job is to 'suppress the wicked and nurture the virtuous'. Let the relationship between police and people be one of trust and reliance. In times of danger and distress, people should consider the police station as their dependable shelter," he added.

The prime minister said, "The people are the owners of the state. Ensure that when these owners come to the police station in trouble, they feel a sense of ownership in your behaviour. Remember, common people first come to the police station for legal assistance. They seek police help."

Tarique Rahman said the government is firmly committed to strengthening the institutional dignity, professionalism and public trust of the Bangladesh Police. In areas such as transfer, promotion and recruitment, merit, competence and honesty will be given priority, he added.

The prime minister said the government wants to create such an environment in police stations that any person can directly go and file a complaint without any intermediary and receive redress.

He also called for continued efforts to involve people in policing through community policing and Open House Day initiatives.

On tackling drug abuse, the prime minister said police must target drug suppliers and the sources of drugs through strict enforcement of the law.

The prime minister stressed the need for integrated and effective use of emerging technologies, including AI and big data analytics, to tackle multidimensional challenges. The government is committed to building a modern, technology-dependent policing system, he added.

Tarique Rahman said extrajudicial killings, abductions and other unlawful activities are not acceptable under any circumstances. Protecting the rights of every citizen is the moral and constitutional duty of the police.