(BSS) - Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today said the police are not protectors of any political party, as they are state employees funded by taxpayers` money.
He emphasized that the primary responsibility of the police force is to serve the people and uphold the rule of law.
The Home Affairs Adviser made the remarks while addressing the passing-out ceremony of the 41st BCS probationary Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) at the Bangladesh Police Academy (BPA) in Sardah this morning as the chief guest.
Referring to election-time responsibilities, he said peace cannot be ensured solely through the use of force without gaining public trust.
He said the police force is fully prepared to ensure that the upcoming national parliamentary election is held in a free, fair and neutral manner.
About one lakh police personnel have been given special training to ensure security during the election, he added.
The adviser instructed police officers to maintain strict neutrality while performing election duties and not to accept any unethical benefits or hospitality. If any disorder arises at polling centres, it must be dealt with firmly in accordance with the advice of the Returning Officer, he said.
Mentioning that various pressures and criticisms may arise in professional life, Jahangir Alam said honesty and patriotism can help overcome any obstacle in carrying out duties.
He called for building a humane, courageous and proud police force free from corruption and bias, upholding the sacrifices of the people and the expectations of future generations.
The Home Affairs Adviser also distributed trophies among the best cadets in different disciplines.
This year, ASP Muhammad Sazzad Hossain was awarded best probationer, Mehedi Arif best academic, Sajib Hossain best in field activities, Mosleh Uddin Ahmed best in horsemanship and Salman Faruque best shooter, following rigorous training that began on February 15 last year.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam, Senior Secretary to the Home Ministry Nasimul Gani, BPA Principal Towfique Mahbub Chowdhury, Deputy Inspector General of Police Dr Muhammad Shahjahan and Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dr Zillur Rahman were present on the occasion, among others.
At the passing-out ceremony, 87 ASPs from the 41st BCS, one from the 28th BCS, three from the 35th BCS, one from the 36th BCS, two from the 37th BCS and two from the 40th BCS took part. The chief guest witnessed their parade and received the salute.
