Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Saturday directed all police members to perform their duties with utmost vigilance, patience and neutrality during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.
He also instructed police personnel to ensure the use of body-worn cameras while on duty, saying the measure would help enhance transparency and accountability.
The IGP gave the directives while speaking as the chief guest at an important pre-election meeting with police officers and force members held at the Civic Centre of Chattogram District Police Lines, ahead of the election.
Read More: About 150,000 police receiving election training ahead of national polls: IGP
In his address, IG Baharul said Bangladesh Police has been working with dedication and professionalism to maintain overall law and order and to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property.
He called for further strengthening people-friendly policing and directed officers to deliver expected police services to the public in an easy and effective manner at their doorsteps.
Chattogram Superintendent of Police Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan, in his welcome speech, extended warm greetings to the chief guest and other dignitaries. He emphasised the importance of police preparedness, professionalism and neutrality to ensure a free, fair and peaceful national election.
During the meeting, police officers and force members from different levels shared their practical field experiences, election-related challenges and various welfare-related demands and proposals. Key issues raised included the supply of speedboats for island police stations, loan facilities for motorcycle purchases, introduction and enhancement of island allowances, and increased government benefits for election-duty personnel.
Read More: 'Bodycams' to be used at risky polling centres: IGP Baharul
Additional IGP Hasib Aziz, Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, delivered a special speech, stressing the need to strengthen election-time security in the metropolitan area, enhance technology-based policing and improve inter-unit coordination.
The concluding remarks were delivered by Additional IGP Md Ahsan Habib Palash, currently serving as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Chattogram Range. He urged all units to carry out election duties with discipline, professionalism and responsibility, following the IGP’s guidelines.
Senior officials from Chattogram Range Office, Chattogram Metropolitan Police and 29 units under the Chattogram Division, along with a total of 458 officers and force members of various ranks, attended the meeting.
The meeting was viewed as a significant directive-driven initiative aimed at boosting police morale and ensuring a free, fair, neutral and peaceful national election.