Prime minister orders police to act against criminals regardless of political ties
Stating that the application of law is equal for everyone, he said police are the protectors of law, not any political party, and urged officers to carry out their duties for the welfare of the state and the people.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed police officers to treat criminals as criminals regardless of their political affiliation, stressing that the government would make no compromise on corruption, terrorism, and misrule.
"While dealing with corruption and terrorism, many times you face pressures related to political identity or political affiliation. I want to give you a clear message that you should not consider anyone's political identity.
"Whoever is involved in crime must be treated as a criminal," the prime minister said while addressing senior police officers at his Tejgaon office on the occasion of Police Week 2026 yesterday, reports UNB.
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Stating that the application of law is equal for everyone, he said police are the protectors of law, not any political party, and urged officers to carry out their duties for the welfare of the state and the people.
"No individual or political party is your party. Rather, you are the protectors of the law. You must always remember this. Your duty is to serve the welfare of the state and the people," Tarique said.
He said the role of the police is indispensable in building a strong, accountable, lawful and people-friendly state system. He also called for a more humane relationship between police and the public, saying officers must work to earn people's trust.
Tarique also acknowledged that maintaining law and order has become more difficult because of changing patterns of crime driven by technological advancement and transnational organised crime.
"As crime patterns evolve, the scope of police activities has also become broader and more extensive. Today's policing is no longer limited to a city or district. Police officers now need broader and more specialised skills to deal with various forms of global and technology-based crimes," he said.
Referring to the period after 5 August, Tarique praised the police for handling several difficult situations strategically and helping contain mob violence over the past one and a half years.
Reiterating that public perception of the government largely depended on police conduct, he said the state expected honesty, professionalism, fairness and humanity from officers.
"If you can uphold these qualities as much as possible, then your slogan, 'My Police, My Country — Bangladesh First', will truly become meaningful and successful," he said.
Salahuddin Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Manjur Morshed Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir and Additional IGP AKM Awlad Hossain also spoke at the programme.
Earlier in the day, Tarique formally inaugurated Police Week 2026 at Rajarbagh Police Lines.
The theme of this year's Police Week is "Amar Police, Amar Desh, Sobar Age Bangladesh" ("My Police, My Country, Bangladesh First"). The programme will conclude on 13 May.
