United News of Bangladesh

No police officer with a controversial background will be assigned to leadership roles in the upcoming national election, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said on Saturday (November 15). “Although the list of controversial officers has not been prepared yet, SPs and DIGs of the respective districts are in the process of identifying them,” he told reporters at a press briefing at the Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) lines. Earlier, the IGP attended an internal training programme aimed at preparing police personnel to conduct the next election in a fair and peaceful manner. He said people across the country are eagerly waiting to cast their votes, while the current interim government is committed to ensuring a free, impartial and credible election. Read more: Over 48,000 police officers complete election training: Police HQ Referring to controversies surrounding the last three national elections, the IGP said the police are undergoing extensive training to ensure that past mistakes are not repeated. “Some members of Bangladesh Police deviated from their duties or were compelled to make mistakes in the last three elections. This time, the training is focused on correcting those mistakes. Our members are motivated to help deliver a successful election.” He mentioned that the previous elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024 had drawn various forms of criticism. “Unfortunately, we were also subjected to that criticism because we were involved. We made mistakes—or were forced to make them. This time, we aim to avoid all bad practices, malpractices and biases, and fulfill the interim government’s promise of holding the most credible election.” On the issue of countering terrorism, the IGP said, they do not want to suppress terrorism through crossfire. “We want to maintain the rule of law by ensuring criminals are brought before the court. Every individual in society is a source of our strength. Policing cannot succeed through police efforts alone,” he added. Addressing concerns over cyber threats in the upcoming election, he admitted that law enforcement remains vulnerable. “Some people are making anything viral on social media using AI in the name of freedom of expression. We first inform the BTRC, which then notifies Meta. Sometimes Meta removes about 40 percent of such content, but not all. The police have limitations in this area.” Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Zulfiqar Ali Haider, Khulna Range DIG Md. Rezaul Karim, and senior officials from various units of the Khulna Division Police were present at the event. Read more: Effective election management foundation of credible democracy: CEC

With the national election around the corner in Bangladesh, 48,134 police officers have completed important training to safeguard voters and polling stations. A 'Training of Trainers' course was held from August 31 to September 2 as part of the programme, said sources at the Police Headquarters. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Bangladesh Police has issued special instructions to all unit heads to ensure close supervision of the ongoing election training programme. On November 2, the IGP visited Rajshahi and Bogura to review the election training sessions in the field. Bangladesh Police have taken all necessary preparations to ensure that the upcoming national parliamentary election is conducted in a free, fair, impartial, and festive environment. Read more: EC seeks round-the-clock police deployment for Nirbachan Bhaban ahead of election Earlier, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on September 7 inaugurated the training programme at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh Police Lines. The ongoing election training will continue until mid-January. This is the first time such training has been organised for police personnel ahead of a national election. Around 1,50,000 police personnel are expected to serve on the ground during the upcoming parliamentary election. Read more: Ex-Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Nuala to visit Bangladesh Nov 5-7

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Tuesday said that out of 1,760 cases filed over last year’s anti-discrimination movement, charge sheets have so far been submitted in only 55 cases, while the remaining cases are still under investigation. The IGP disclosed the information at a press briefing held at the police headquarters. He said police, under section 173-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), have already recommended relief for 136 people found primarily innocent, and courts have granted them exemption from the charges. Applications for another 236 individuals are currently under consideration. Of the total cases, 766 are murder cases and 974 fall under other sections. Among the 55 cases where charge sheets have been filed, 18 are murder cases indicting 1,941 accused, while the remaining 37 cases involve 2,185 accused. The IGP said the charge sheets in the 18 murder cases were submitted in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sherpur, Feni, Chandpur, Noakhali, Pabna, Kurigram, Bogura and Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) areas. The other 37 charge-sheeted cases are from Bogura, Chapainawabganj, Sirajganj, Naogaon, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Narsingdi and Barguna districts. Govt okays procurement of 40,000 body cameras for police use during polls He added that senior officers are supervising the investigations, while also mentoring junior officers who are not yet fully capable of handling complex probes on their own. On allegations of false cases and harassment, the IGP acknowledged that in some instances innocent people were wrongfully accused. “The government has introduced a legal provision to provide relief to such individuals even before charge sheets are filed.” He assured that police headquarters is taking measures to ensure no innocent person faces harassment, and warned that action would be taken against any officer found involved in malpractice. The IGP also urged those who consider themselves innocent to apply under section 173-A so their cases can be reviewed and forwarded to the court for exemption.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Tuesday said the highest level of security has been ensured across the country to ensure peaceful celebration of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community. A total of 31,606 mandaps have been set up nationwide and except for a few isolated incidents, festivities have been proceeding smoothly, he said at a press briefing at the police headquarters. “So far, police have taken cognisance of 49 incidents related to Durga Puja. A total of 15 cases have been filed and 19 people arrested in connection with those incidents,” he added. DMP vows foolproof security for Durga Puja celebrations Baharul Alam said security has been maintained at every mandap regardless of its risk level. “We are keeping strict vigilance to preserve the long-standing communal harmony of the country.” Regarding rumors, the IGP said false and outdated videos are often circulated on social media to incite communal unrest. “Our cyber unit is monitoring these matters closely and verifying incidents to prevent misinformation,” he added.

Bangladesh police on Monday announced that it would offer foreign investors direct access to its dedicated emergency contact line, enabling companies to report any incidents and receive immediate support. The announcement came from the office of the Inspector General of Police, the national police chief, when the IGP, Baharul Alam, and the executive chairman of BIDA, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, held a meeting with officials of six foreign companies whose establishments were vandalised during recent protests over Gaza attacks. The meeting, which was co-chaired by BIDA Executive Chairman and the Inspector General of Police, brought together executives from major companies, including Nestle Bangladesh, Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages, Unilever Bangladesh, Bata Shoe Co. Bangladesh, Reckitt Benckiser Bangladesh, Pepsico, and Jubilant Food Works Bangladesh. DMP’s Tejgaon Division returns 251 lost, stolen mobile phones to owners Referring to the vandalism occurred on April 7-8 in several cities of the country, police said they have arrested at least 140 people over the attacks. Nearly a dozen cases were also filed over the incidents. “The presence of the IGP, senior police officials, and our BIDA team under one roof with business leaders was not only timely but unprecedented,” said Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of BIDA. “This wasn’t just a gesture—it was a statement. It shows that Bangladesh is serious about standing by its investors, especially when challenges arise,” he said. “The companies we sat with directly support the livelihood of thousands of employees and their families. We respect the right to protest, but destroying the institutions that provide jobs, stability, and growth is not the answer," he added. The BIDA chief also commended the police for "their swift support and their commitment to decisive action against those responsible for the violence.” Participating companies shared first-hand accounts of vandalism, losses, and operational breakdowns. In response, the IGP’s office has announced that it would offer dedicated emergency contact line access to affected businesses. Senior police officers said the emergency contact line would enable the companies "to report incidents and receive immediate support." IGP Baharul Alam assured business leaders of full cooperation from the country's law enforcement agencies. “We are not here just to respond. We are here to build confidence and ensure that these disruptions do not repeat,” he said. The engagement resulted in a set of jointly developed preventive action plans, including new security protocols, rapid response units, and enhanced crisis communication channels. These measures, co-created by the BIDA, the police, and business associations, aim to foster long-term trust and resilience in Bangladesh’s investment ecosystem. “This dialogue isn’t about reaction—it’s about prevention,” added BIDA Executive Chairman. DMP identifies DU arsonist, arrest expected before Pahela Baishakh procession “And more importantly, it reflects the government’s promise: to walk with our investors, not just during booms, but also during turbulence,” said Ashik Chowdhury. Corporate representatives thanked both the BIDA and the Bangladesh Police for their responsiveness and expressed renewed confidence in continuing their operations and future expansion plans in Bangladesh. This initiative is part of BIDA’s broader mission to ensure Bangladesh remains a safe, sustainable, and investor-friendly destination aligned with the priorities of the Interim Government.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Baharul Alam on Thursday said special vigilance will be ensured across the country to prevent theft and mugging during the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. Speaking at a press briefing at the office of the Superintendent of Police of Gazipur Industrial Police-2, the IGP urged holidaymakers to properly secure their homes before leaving for Eid celebrations with their families. "Many people will leave the cities to celebrate Eid with their loved ones, and police are actively working to prevent any deterioration of law and order, including in the industrial sector," he said. He also warned of strict legal action against those inciting violence, particularly in the readymade garment (RMG) sector. "Workers should not engage in vandalism or block roads based on rumours," he added. DMP restricts public gathering at some designated spots The IGP also said that the interim government is committed to building a discrimination-free Bangladesh. He, however, mentioned that certain individuals, feeling aggrieved, may attempt to disrupt law and order. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Dhaka Range AKM Awlad Hossain, Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Nazmul Karim Khan and Industrial Police DIG Israil Howlader were also present at the event. Earlier, the IGP attended a welfare-related meeting with members of the Industrial Police.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Thursday asked the newly appointed police officers to earn the public's trust by carrying out their duties impartially. He emphasised that when the police earn the trust of the people, the public will be more inclined to cooperate in maintaining law and order. The IGP made the comments during the concluding ceremony of the 43rd BCS (Police) batch Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Orientation Course at the Police Headquarters on Thursday. "You are the future leadership of the police force. The dignity of the police department depends on you. Therefore, you must carry out your responsibilities with honesty and set an example for others to follow," said the police chief. DMP to introduce a new hotline for real-time information exchange: Commissioner He further pointed out that recent movements against discrimination have provided the police with an opportunity to reconsider the expectations the public has of them. "As guardians of law and order, the police must be in tune with the emotions and sentiments of the people while carrying out their duties professionally," he added. The IGP also highlighted the challenging nature of the policing profession, urging the new officers to acquire the necessary skills through training to face various challenges. He stressed the importance of gaining knowledge in constitutional rights, human rights, and new laws. In addition, IGP Baharul Alam pointed out the significance of modern technology in policing. "In today's technological age, it is crucial to acquire skills and knowledge in advanced technologies to effectively control crime," he said. The ceremony was also attended by Additional IGP (HRM) Abu Nasir Mohammad Khaled, DIG (HR) Kazi Zia Uddin, and other relevant officials. A total of 84 officers from the 43rd BCS (Police) batch have joined as Assistant Superintendents of Police, including 78 men and six women.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner  SM  Sajjat Ali on Tuesday said that the DMP is set to introduce a new hotline for real-time information exchange, aimed at providing timely updates and facilitating communication between the police and journalists, especially crime reporters. The DMP Commissioner  announced the initiative during a meeting with the newly elected executive committee of the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB) on Tuesday. The DMP Commissioner said the initiative to launch the hotline in the media division of the DMP will be taken keeping in mind the idea of 'Instant information whenever there is an incident', an initiative is being taken to launch a hotline in the media department of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). IGP urges increased professionalism at Central Police Hospital He said that the new hotline will enable journalists to receive instant information about incidents, and equally allow them to report details on ongoing situations. In his speech, CRAB President Mirza Mehedi Tamal emphasized the long-standing cooperation between the police and the association, asserting that such collaboration would continue in the future. He noted that delays in receiving timely information from the police could create gaps in the flow of information. CRAB General Secretary M.M. Badshah recommended enhancing partnership between DMP and CRAB, and suggested organizing orientation and awareness programs.  He also urged the DMP Commissioner to foster cooperation under the concept of "real-time information exchange." In response, DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Md. Nazrul Islam was instructed to take necessary steps to ensure effective information flow. Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sojjat Ali highlighted the importance of media cooperation in maintaining law and order and building a crime-free society. IGP emphasizes maximum effort to combat crime in DMP’s monthly crime review meeting He emphasized that controlling law and order is a difficult task for the police without the active support of journalists, and reiterated that the police and media are complementary to each other. Meanwhile, when the Commissioner was asked  about  former Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Uttara East Police Station Shah Alam, who had escaped from police custody after being arrested in Kushtia and brought to Uttara East Police Station in the capital, is still at large. Despite a nationwide red alert issued by the police, the fugitive remains unapprehended. In response,  the DMP Commissioner clarified that the police had not released the former OC, stating, "If the police were to release him, it would have been in Kushtia itself, not after bringing him to Dhaka." He also mentioned that two officers responsible for the incident had been dismissed due to negligence. However, he acknowledged that the escaped OC has likely fled to India or a neighboring country.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Tuesday asked on-duty doctors to enhance the quality of services at the Rajarbagh Central Police Hospital by ensuring professionalism, sincerity, and dedication.  The IGP gave the instruction during a view exchange meeting with physicians, nurses, employees and staff of Police Central Hospital in the city after inspecting various departments of the hospital in Rajarbagh in the city on Tuesday. In his speech, the IGP emphasized on modernizing the Central Police Hospital and directed the doctors and staff to maintain high standards of patient care. He appreciated the ongoing healthcare services provided to police personnel and their families, and expressed his gratitude to the doctors and nurses for their tireless efforts. IGP emphasizes maximum effort to combat crime in DMP’s monthly crime review meeting During the meeting with hospital doctors, officers, and staff, it was told that, on average, around 4,500 police officers and their family members receive medical services at the Central Police Hospital daily. Furthermore, approximately 1,500 police officers receive pathology reports every day. Last year, a total of 712 surgeries were successfully conducted in the eye department, while 6,467 surgeries were performed across other departments.  The IGP also inspected the hospital's digital healthcare services, including registration, OPD, consultations, medicine stores, and report delivery. He also visited various other departments such as the Emergency Unit, Radiology and Imaging, ICU, and Dialysis Unit. During the visit, he observed the service process for police members and their families and provided necessary guidance. During the IGP's inspection, Central Police Hospital Director (DIG) Sardar Nurul Amin, Additional DIG (Administration and Finance) Dr. Md. Emdadul Haque and Superintendent of the hospital Dr. ABM Md. Khorshed Alam were present.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has said that the police are working and taking steps to curb crimes across the country as there is no ‘magic solution’ to it. “SPs across the country have been directed to take necessary steps. We do not have any magical solution because you know the circumstances and from where we have to come back. But we are taking measures to address these challenges,” he said responding to queries from reporters at an event in the capital on Saturday. Bangladesh Retired Police Officers’ Welfare Association organised the event at Rajarbagh Police Lines. As the journalists asked about the rising incidents of theft, robbery and murder in Dhaka and elsewhere, the IGP said, “We are working to awaken the police force and regain their confidence. We want to get closer to people and seek their cooperation. We are also calling on representatives of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement to help us strengthen community engagement.”   Police must regain public trust through services: DMP commissioner  About promotions within the police force, the IGP said that promotions are being granted to officers with only 10–12 days of service remaining, as a way to honour and recognise their contributions. Sought comments on his tenure, the IGP said, “I returned from retirement to assume this responsibility. I don’t know how much I will be able to achieve…but I will try to take the honor with me when I leave.” On recent threats to student coordinators from different districts, the IGP said, “We have analysed and resolved every incident. The robbery in Kaliakoir and the mobile snatching in Narayanganj have been investigated.” He said that the student coordinators were taken to Narayanganj, where they met the victim’s family and expressed satisfaction with the findings. These incidents are not cases of targeted killings, he said. The IGP also mentioned two other incidents involving threats. In one, a 10th-grade student from Mymensingh was arrested and later released to his parents’ custody. In another incident, a student named Meher from BRAC University received threats, which led to the arrest of Zahid Hasan in Sirajganj by the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police. “We are working to resolve every incident, but not all of them are connected,” the IGP added. When asked about the recent secretariat fire incident, the IGP parried the question, saying, “This will be worked out by the investigation committee. I cannot speak on this matter.”