Govt to raise police's strength further: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her government's firm resolve to make Bangladesh Police a people-friendly organisation, report agencies.

She said the government would continue to enhance its strength in accordance with prevailing demand.

"In 2009, the police-people ratio stood at 1:1355 -- But our government has raised it to 1:801," she said on Monday, adding that the government would continue to enhance the police strength to meet future demand and improve police-people ratio.

"Required measures will be taken to increase necessary and modern vehicles, logistics, arms, land allocation, and improve infrastructural development for the police force," the prime minister said while inaugurating Police Week- 2019 at Dhaka Metropolitan Police Lines at Rajarbag in the city.

In her speech, she asked the police to remain careful so that innocent people are not harassed and tortured during their duties.

"You need to keep in mind that no innocent person should fall victim to torture and harassment by you," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said it was urgently needed to maintain law and order for developing the fate of people and build a prosperous Bangladesh.

"It's our country and it's your duty to maintain peace and discipline in the country."

Mentioning the zero tolerance of police against militancy, terrorism and drugs, the Prime Minister said the ongoing drive against eliminating drugs has to be continued.

In the recent 11th parliamentary election, she mentioned, the members of Bangladesh Police have performed their duties with professionalism, ensuring peace and order.

In its Election Manifesto, Bangladesh Awami League had given emphasize on making police force a people-friendly organization, she noted.

"We consider the allocation for police as investment, and not as expenditure. Bangladesh Police has had a facelift as a result of our government's various positive measures," she said.

"We will continue this improvement of Bangladesh Police during our present tenure," the prime minister added.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jabed Patwari and senior government officials were present.

Cabinet members, MPs, senior government officials, leaders of various professional bodies and civil society members joined the function.

The prime minister adorned 349 police personnel with Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) and President Police Medal (PPM) in recognition to their professional excellence. Out of them, 104 received BPM (service) and 40 received BPM (bravery) medal while 143 received PPM (service) and 62 received PPM (bravery) medal.

Sheikh Hasina hoped that the awards would motivate them to be more spirited in discharging their duties, urging police to play more proactive role for ensuring road safety and against drug.

On the occasion, an attractive parade was arranged at Rajarbag Police Lines. The prime minister inspected the parade and took salute of different contingents of Bangladesh Police.

"Police have to be people-centric in order to address the emerging trends of crime. They need to build friendly ties with people so that unfounded fear about police does not discourage people from receiving services," the prime minister said.

Police as the law-enforcer must have to be people-friendly and uphold human rights, fundamental rights and the rule of law while performing duties, she said, adding "only then police will be able to attain the identity of 'pro- people' police".

Mentioning that Bangladesh Police symbolises Peace, Security and Discipline, the premier said being imbued with the essence of the War of Independence, its members are accomplishing their delegated responsibilities for maintenance of law and order with utmost professionalism and great courage.