Bangladesh’s interim administration chief, Muhammad Yunus, has urged the police to intensify efforts to ensure the safety of every citizen, as the country struggles with a significant decline in law and order more than seven months after a political transition.
Addressing senior police officers at his office in Dhaka on Monday, Yunus emphasized the need for heightened vigilance.
This marked the first such meeting since the police force faced widespread criticism and attacks due to their handling of last year’s violent uprising, which led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to government estimates, approximately 1,400 people were killed during the student-led protests.
Many police officers found themselves demoralized in the aftermath, as numerous police stations were set on fire or vandalized, with officers being perceived as supporters of the previous regime.
During the meeting, Yunus acknowledged the challenging security landscape and warned that “defeated forces” might attempt to incite further unrest as the national election approaches.
He instructed the police to remain alert, curb any such attempts, and counter misinformation that could disrupt efforts to build a “New Bangladesh.”
“A new Bangladesh cannot be built without the police,” Yunus asserted, stressing their critical role in maintaining law and order.
He also listened to insights from field-level officers and provided directives to reinforce stability. Yunus highlighted that the police are the most crucial unit in Bangladesh, as every government initiative relies on them to create a secure environment for implementation.
“Whatever the government aims to achieve, it must do so through the police to maintain law and order,” he said.
He further emphasized that without stability, governance, democracy, human rights, and citizens’ welfare could not be upheld. Acknowledging the immense challenges law enforcement faces in the current political climate, Yunus assured officers of his commitment to addressing their concerns.
Referring to the last year’s upheaval, he said that it had presented an opportunity for change — one that must not be wasted.
“In difficult times, the police must follow government directives and demonstrate their dedication to building a new Bangladesh,” Yunus told the meeting attended also by Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Home Secretary Nasimul Gani, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam.