Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed police officials to treat offenders strictly as criminals regardless of their political identity while reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance stance against corruption terrorism and misrule.
Speaking to senior police officers at Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office on the occasion of Police Week 2026, he said police members may face pressure because of political influence while carrying out anti-corruption and anti-terrorism duties but they should not consider anyone’s political identity.
“Whoever commits a crime must be treated as a criminal,” he said adding that the law must be applied equally to all citizens.
The Prime Minister said police are not protectors of any individual or political party rather protectors of the law and must work in service of the state and the people.
Tarique Rahman who is also chairman of the ruling BNP said the government will not compromise on corruption terrorism and misrule and described police as essential to building a strong accountable lawful and people-friendly state.
He said police officers are directly responsible for maintaining law and order across the country and if they successfully perform their duties the government will move closer toward building a safer Bangladesh.
Highlighting changes in crime patterns because of technology and globalization the Prime Minister said police responsibilities are now broader than before and no longer limited to cities or districts.
He said transnational organised crime has become a global reality and every police officer now needs multiple skills and a professional mindset regardless of rank or posting.
Warning against compromising professionalism for promotions or preferred postings he said temporary personal gain should never come at the cost of professional integrity.
The Prime Minister reminded officials that no government or administrative position is permanent and urged police members to treat the meeting as a commitment toward improving future law and order management.
He said there is no alternative to an efficient brave honest and impartial police force and added that people usually turn to police first in times of danger.
Referring to the situation after August 5 he said police have strategically handled difficult situations over the last one and a half years and successfully controlled mob violence in many cases.
Tarique Rahman said the government wants to transform Bangladesh Police into a truly people-friendly and trusted force because citizens often see police as a reflection of the government itself.
He stressed that relations between police and citizens should remain both lawful and humane and said officers must remain alert to prevent communal unrest and sabotage while ensuring democratic political rights.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to its election manifesto and the July Charter he said every promise made before the people will be implemented without confusion.
The Prime Minister said the government aims to bring every citizen regardless of political belief under the protection of the state’s social security framework.
He described public safety as the police’s first responsibility and said officers must perform their duties with sincerity seriousness and professionalism to build an efficient and dynamic police force.
The premier also linked crime with economic inequality saying the government has already taken several initiatives to reduce disparity and strengthen social and economic security.
He said honesty merit and efficiency will remain the key principles in police recruitment transfers and postings while acknowledging that police work is not limited to fixed hours.
According to him people judge the government largely through police behaviour and activities and the state expects honesty justice professionalism humanity and public service from police members.
He said the slogan “Amar Police Amar Desh Sobar Agee Bangladesh” would become truly meaningful if police uphold these values.
The programme began with recitations from religious scriptures while a documentary highlighted the sacrifices and contributions of police during the Liberation War national crises and modernization efforts taken by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
Police officials later placed several demands before the Prime Minister and assured that Bangladesh Police remains ready to support the government in maintaining peace and order.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed Home Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir and Additional IGP AKM Awlad Hossain also addressed the event.
Later the Prime Minister joined a photo session with police officers in front of the Tiger Gate of the PMO.
Earlier he inaugurated the four-day Police Week-2026 through a colourful ceremony at Rajarbagh Police Lines in the capital.