Chief Adviser (CA) Muhammad Yunus has called for a complete transformation of the image of the police force, acknowledging that the stains of the past 16 years cannot be erased overnight.
Speaking to field-level police officers at his office in Tejgaon on Monday, he urged them to establish a fresh identity that reflects the spirit of a new Bangladesh.
“The government wants the police force to create a new image—one that is recognized both at home and abroad as the police force of a new Bangladesh," Yunus stated.
He emphasized the importance of a changed perception, saying, "Your actions will make people forget the past and forgive."
Highlighting the significance of law enforcement, he remarked, "Among all teams in Bangladesh, the police are the most crucial. Business, trade, and other sectors rely on a solid foundation that the police must ensure. You must create an environment conducive to work."
Yunus urged the police to refrain from breaking the law and instead work to facilitate public life.
Addressing the upcoming elections, the chief adviser reiterated that the government is an interim one, with only a limited time to act.
"We have already passed seven months. We are aiming for elections in December. Within this time, we must implement whatever reforms we can," he said.
He advised police officers to remain within legal boundaries despite potential political pressures during the election period.
"Whoever they may be—students, old political parties, or new groups—you must carry out your responsibilities lawfully," Yunus asserted.
He called upon the police to demonstrate creativity in solving problems and to ensure public safety without bias.
Describing Bangladesh as being in a state of continuous struggle, Yunus said, “We are in a state of war. We must keep this in mind and emerge victorious."
He alleged that defeated forces are spending money to create massive misinformation campaigns. He instructed the police to counter these narratives and raise public awareness.
"If we enforce the law properly and maintain discipline, we can win any battle," he stated.
Yunus underscored the role of the police in building a stable nation.
"Law and order define the police force. It is up to them to enforce it. The police cannot be neglected or sidelined in nation-building," he said.
He assured officers that their concerns would be addressed and that further discussions would be held to resolve their issues.
Reflecting on the July uprising, Yunus expressed optimism about the country’s future.
"It is easy to lose opportunities. We must seize this moment and lay the groundwork for a prosperous future," he remarked.
He noted the global support Bangladesh has received, stating, "It’s not just passive approval. The world has stepped forward with enthusiasm, believing in our potential."
Criticizing the previous Awami League-led government, he described that era as the “dark ages” and urged the police to free themselves from its influence.
"To build a new Bangladesh, you must let go of old mindsets. People criticize us, but we must prove through our actions that we are capable of positive change," Yunus said.
He reinforced the country’s global aspirations, stating, “We are not here to compete with just a few neighboring countries; we are players on the world stage.”
The chief adviser directed the police to prioritize the safety of women and minorities.
"Women’s security is a massive responsibility. Due to neglect, insecurity has spread rapidly in society. Half of our population remains vulnerable," he noted.
He called for constitutional rights to be upheld for all citizens, including religious minorities, emphasizing that it is the police’s duty to enforce these protections.
Additionally, Yunus proposed a ranking system for law enforcement in different districts to encourage better performance.
He advocated for greater use of technology in policing and questioned the necessity of police verification for passports.
"We have become so accustomed to police verification that its removal surprised many, though it is unnecessary," he said.
Regarding the Rohingya population, he mentioned efforts to integrate their biometric data with UNHCR’s system to facilitate identification.
Yunus also addressed the potential impact of Starlink, stating that the high-speed internet service could revolutionize connectivity and efficiency in Bangladesh.
"Starlink will launch soon, providing ultra-fast internet compared to our current system. Everything will become instantly accessible," he predicted.
Encouraging the police to embrace innovation, he urged them to list problems in their respective districts and work towards solutions proactively.
Yunus’ speech set the stage for a transformed police force, one that embodies the ideals of a new Bangladesh. His call to action emphasized discipline, modernization, and the crucial role of law enforcement in shaping the nation’s future.
