Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday asked the police administration to remain neutral and operate strictly in accordance with 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 is your responsibility to ensure that no innocent person becomes a victim of harassment,” he said.
The Prime Minister 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.
He expressed the belief that crime control will become easier if police can build a relationship of trust with the public.
PM urges police to ensure no fascist force can ever use them against people
“If the police can become a symbol of trust and security for the people, that is where their success lies. The success of the police is also the success of the government,” Tarique Raman said.
He said the role of the police is to “suppress the wicked and nurture the righteous,” adding that the relationship between the police and the public must be both legal and humane, based on trust and confidence.
“In case of trouble or crisis, people should be able to consider the police station as their reliable place of shelter – this is what I expect from you,” the Prime Minister said.
Referring to the current political context, he said 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.
Tarique Rahman said such public expectations must be reflected in the work of the police, as it is their responsibility to ensure that the people’s trust in a government accountable to them is upheld through their actions.
“The people are the owners of the state. If they are the owners, then when they come to a police station in distress, it is your duty to ensure that they feel, even in some extent, that sense of ownership in the way they are treated,” he said.
The Prime Minister said improving the country’s law-and-order situation and ensuring the safety of people’s lives and property are among the government’s highest priorities.
“The fascist government placed the police force against the people for its narrow political interests. After overcoming that dark period, the time has now come to move forward in a new way,” he said.
Tarique Rahman said he believes that earning the trust of the people and maintaining that trust are currently the biggest challenge for the police.
“I do not want to elaborate further on this issue. Let our pledge during Police Week-2026 be that Bangladesh will never return to fascist rule again,” he said.
The Prime Minister reminded police members that ordinary people first go to police stations seeking legal assistance during times of trouble.
“People do not go to police stations unless they are in danger. So, it is very important to create the confidence that their suffering will lessen once they go there,” he said.
Tarique Rahman asked police to take legal action wherever necessary, but stressed that humane behaviour alongside law enforcement will create a positive impression among the public about the government’s achievements.
“If there is a touch of humanity in your actions, the government’s successes will leave a positive impact on people’s minds through you,” he added.