Neutrality Must Be Maintained at Every Stage of Investigation and Law Enforcement: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at Sardah

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told police at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi, that legal action must be taken against offenders, the rights of innocent people must be protected, and neutrality must be maintained at every stage of investigation and law enforcement.

He made the remarks on Thursday (29 October) as chief guest at the passing-out parade of the 27th probationary sergeant batch and the 43rd cadet sub-inspector (SI) batch at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah.

Highlighting the changing crime situation, Salahuddin Ahmed said the nature of crime is changing rapidly. Alongside conventional crime, cybercrime, online fraud, financial fraud, drug-related crime, human trafficking and organised crime have created new challenges for the police.

He said conventional experience alone is not enough to face these challenges; what is needed is the use of modern technology, data analysis, scientific investigation, up-to-date knowledge of crime patterns, and inter-institutional cooperation.

On police duties and powers, he said the constitution and the country's fundamental laws have empowered the police to tackle any kind of crime, but in exercising that power they must remain fully respectful of the constitution, existing laws and regulations.

The home minister said legal power must be exercised through professionalism, skill and humane policing, instead of misconduct, bias and muscle power.

He said the government's goal is not only to act after a crime is committed, but to build an environment where the risk of crime decreases and people can live normal lives safely.

Salahuddin Ahmed said various initiatives have been taken to make the police force modern and up to date and to deliver policing services at the grassroots level, including forensic and digital forensic facilities, DNA laboratories, victim support centres, beat policing, service desks for women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities, and the national emergency service 999. A separate cyber police unit has also been established to tackle crimes in cyberspace, he said.

Addressing the new police officers, the minister said neutrality, skill and humanity must be maintained in professional duties, and that alongside law enforcement, protecting people's rights and creating a sense of security among the public are also important police responsibilities.

The home minister took the salute at the parade and later distributed awards among trainees who excelled in various fields. A total of 246 trainees took part — 84 from the 27th probationary sergeant batch and 162 from the 43rd cadet SI batch. ASP probationer Md Mahbub Hossain served as parade commander.

Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir and Bangladesh Police Academy Principal (Additional IGP) Md Mainul Hasan were present, along with senior military and civil officials of various ranks and local dignitaries.

Among the award winners, Md Omar Faruk was named Best Sergeant in the probationary sergeant batch, Mohammad Delwar Hossain Best Academic, Saiful Islam Best in Field Activities and Md Asaduzzaman Best Shooter. In the cadet SI batch, Mohammad Jahangir Alam was named Best Cadet, Md Borhanul Islam Best Academic, Dewan Golam Rasul Best in Field Activities and Md Kamal Gani Best Shooter.

Bangladesh Police Academy sources said after six months of basic training, members of the 27th probationary sergeant batch will join their respective units, while trainees of the 43rd cadet SI batch will be posted to various police units as probationary SIs (unarmed).