Pime Minister Sheikh Hasina vowed Tuesday to transform Bangladesh's primary law-enforcement agency into a world-class 'Smart Police' force, driven by knowledge, science and technology, reports agencies.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked the police personnel to continue their service towards the people to sustain the public trust they have earned.
"…serve the people keeping the humanitarian aspects in mind so that the trust and confidence among the mass people regarding the police force remain intact," she said.
The prime minister said this while inaugurating the Police Week-2023 at the capital's Rajarbagh Police Lines.
She said that police are now serving the people as the force of the people while in the past they used to live in fear of police.
"Now they know that police serve them and stand beside them and gaining trust of people is very much important for any force. You (police force) are doing that," she said.
Hasina said her government wanted to develop the country's police force to the standard of the developed countries.
"In keeping compatibility with the developed countries we want to build our police force a skilled and smart police force and drive the country towards development," she told the programme..
She urged all to ensure that no one can put any obstacle in the country's march towards development and prosperity.
Lauding the police's contributions to safeguarding national security, the prime minister believes it now personifies Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's vision of a 'pro-people' force, according to the state news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.
"There was a time when people would be struck by fear at the mention of the police. Now, they know that the police are there to serve and stand by them," Hasina said at the opening ceremony of the six-day 'Police Week.
Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, public security division's senior secretary M Aminul Islam Khan and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received the premier as she arrived the Rajarbagh Police Lines.
Several police contingents in a synchronized approach offered her an honour guard and she then inspected the parade getting onboard an open jeep.
The premier later handed over Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) Bravery, President Police Medal (PPM) Bravery, BPM-Service and PPM-Service to 117 police officials for earning pride for the force by setting exemplary standard of bravery and commitment, endangering their lives in the past one year.
Of them, 17 have received the BPM-Bravery and 25 got the PPM-Bravery while 25 got BPM Service and 50 got the PPM-Service awards.
Cabinet members, parliament members and senior government officials witnessed the ceremony which began with the playing of the national anthem.
Hasina praised the police for changing people's perceptions of the agency and urged them to keep up the good work in order to maintain the public's trust.
Highlighting the steps taken by her administration to improve the standards of policing, Hasina said, "Our government has already provided a significant number of vehicles to the police force.
"Arrangements have already been made to purchase two helicopters from Russia to increase the mobility of the police to a three-dimensional level. A full-fledged aviation unit is also in the process of being formed."
The prime minister also inspected a police parade from an open-top jeep. She later presented the Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) and the President Police Medal (PPM) to 117 police officers in recognition of their bravery and service.
"Gaining the public's trust is imperative for any force and you [the police] are doing that," she said while calling on law enforcers to 'humanely' serve the people.
"The trust that has been created towards the police should remain intact. We want our police to fulfil the Father of the Nation's vision of a people-friendly force."
The prime minister further underscored the police's role in combatting natural disasters and other emergencies.
"Besides, the police also have a role [in tackling] man-made disasters. They have sacrificed their lives to save people's lives and properties.
"The police have a duty not to be risk averse and they are doing it very efficiently."