Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said a specialised cyber police unit will be formed to combat cybercrimes, online rumours and misinformation amid changing crime patterns in the digital age.

He made the announcement while addressing senior police officials at a programme marking Police Week 2026 at the Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon.

The minister said the government would maintain a strict ‘zero tolerance’ policy against corruption within the police force and would not compromise on discipline and the chain of command.

Highlighting the government’s modernisation plans for the police, the minister said two new police training academies would be established at Jungle Salimpur in Chattogram to enhance professionalism.

“One academy will be for the elite force and the other for the general force,” he said, adding that a separate law would be enacted to ensure transparency and accountability in the operations of elite forces.

He also said steps would be taken to modernise and enhance the capacity of central and divisional police hospitals.

A full-fledged Police Sports Complex would also be constructed subject to land availability, he said.

Calling for greater transparency in operational activities, the minister instructed police authorities to expand the use of body-worn cameras.

“Police are being trained to follow the minimum use of force policy in line with United Nations standards. Law enforcers must be strategic in tackling crimes, but human rights must not be violated under any circumstances,” he said.

The minister also directed police officials to ensure quick delivery of public services including police clearance certificates and online general diary (GD) services.

He stressed enhancing the capacity of Tourist Police to strengthen the image of the country’s tourism sector.

Referring to the government’s electoral pledges, Salahuddin said stable law and order is a prerequisite for implementing the 31-point election manifesto.

“Every police station must be transformed into a centre of public service under the motto ‘Police are the people and  people are the police,’” he said.

He also emphasised preventive policing to stop crimes before they occur in line with modern policing doctrines.

Senior police officials, including additional IGPs, DIGs, additional DIGs and police superintendents, attended the meeting where future plans for police modernisation were discussed in light of the prime minister’s directives.

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