Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced an increase in the salaries, allowances, retirement benefits and other facilities for Gram Police (village police) members.
Under the new decision, the monthly salary of regular village police members has been raised from Tk7,500 to Tk10,500, while the salary of village police chiefs has been increased from Tk8,000 to Tk11,000.
Retirement gratuities, travel allowances for visits to police stations and mobile phone expenses have also been increased. The prime minister said steps had been taken to make the new measures effective from the historic 7 November.
He made the announcements at a grand gathering of village police members held at the National Parade Ground in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Saturday.
During the event, the prime minister highlighted the responsibilities and importance of village police members in ensuring security in every union and village across the country.
He said the role of village police members is extremely important in maintaining security at the grassroots level. Through their duties, they can gather early information about what is happening in villages, who may be involved in criminal activities and whether there is a risk of deterioration in the law and order situation.
If such information is promptly shared with the local administration and law enforcement agencies, effective measures can be taken to prevent crime and ensure public safety, he also said.
He added that if every village and union in the country remains safe, the entire country will be safe. Maintaining peace and a sense of security among rural communities will also have a positive impact at the national level.
Although urbanisation is increasing, the roots of most people in the country remain closely connected to village life. Rural communities are deeply linked to the country’s history, heritage, culture and economy.
Therefore, he said, ensuring a normal, peaceful and secure life for people in rural areas is essential to building a developed, prosperous and safe Bangladesh.
