Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said forming a separate aviation unit or service for the police is not a well‑considered move at present. He stressed that improving existing capacity and maintenance systems must take priority.
The minister made these remarks while attending a programme organised on the occasion of Police Week-2026 at Shapla Hall of Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon.
Addressing the status of equipment, the home minister noted that although two helicopters were purchased from Russia during the tenure of the previous government, they have not yet arrived in the country due to international sanctions and complexities regarding financial transactions.
However, Salahuddin informed that clearance from the concerned country has been received, and the supply may be obtained shortly.
Questioning the technical readiness of the force, he asked, “We have not received the helicopters yet. Can the police maintain Mi-17s now? If it is for an organisation that can maintain them, then there is no problem”.
The minister pointed out that while Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) currently possesses one helicopter, it is not being maintained properly.
He further highlighted the challenges faced by other agencies, noting that out of the two helicopters belonging to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), one is frequently under maintenance while the other remains out of order.
Under these circumstances, Salahuddin stressed the importance of increasing existing capabilities before forming a new, separate aviation unit.
“If an agency needs a helicopter for prestige, that is a different matter. But in reality, increasing capability is more important,” the home minister said. He added that the formation of an aviation unit may be considered in the future once the capability and skills of the police reach a satisfactory level.
