Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir has claimed that the Bangladesh Police have successfully regained their image and restored discipline after being alienated from the public for the past 17 years.
Speaking as the chief guest on Tuesday afternoon during a programme marking the third day of Police Week at the Rajarbagh Police Lines, the IGP stated that every member of the force had been turned into a “petoa bahini” [hired muscle] over the last 17 years.
He noted that this had resulted in the police becoming isolated from the people, but asserted that the force has now been brought back to its original position.
“Because the police force was used as a ‘petoa bahini’ for a long 17 years, we became alienated from the public. From that position, we have been able to regain our image and our discipline is returning,” he said.
During his address, the IGP acknowledged the contributions of President Ziaur Rahman and the late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia towards the development of the Bangladesh Police.
He credited their extensive roles for the force’s current organised state and highlighted how the contributions of every police member have played a vital role in the development of the country’s democracy.
Regarding the suspension of police medals, the IGP clarified that there is no controversy surrounding the issue. He informed the audience that verification and selection process is currently ongoing.
The police chief also paid respectful tribute to the patriotic police members who initiated the first armed resistance against the Pakistani occupation forces during the Liberation War. He further expressed his gratitude and remembered those loyal police officers who sacrificed their lives for the welfare of the people.
