Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has urged police officials to adopt a more people-friendly approach by demonstrating respectful behaviour, service-mindedness, and genuine sincerity in their duties.
Speaking at a views-exchange meeting on Tuesday at Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh, held in observance of Police Week 2025, the adviser emphasized the need for the police to win public trust by steering clear of harassment, corruption and political interference.
“No one should seek undue benefits, and police must avoid bribes and irregularities,” he stated, calling for transparent and fair service delivery.
The adviser highlighted persistent challenges within the force, especially regarding the accommodation and nutrition of lower-tier personnel. He noted that during his visits to various police units, he observed severe shortages in these areas.
To address the ongoing transport crisis, he mentioned that a proposal to procure 200 pickup vans for police stations is currently under review by Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase.
Underscoring the importance of patience and dialogue, he advised against the unnecessary use of force, including baton charges. “Many problems can be solved through discussion,” he added.
The government, he assured, is taking steps to improve the welfare of police personnel. These include plans to increase risk allowances for constables and sub-inspectors and offering interest-free motorcycle loans, initially targeting sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors.
Acknowledging the personal needs of officers, he announced that measures are being considered to ensure police couples can be posted within the same district and that lower-ranking personnel are assigned closer to their home areas.
In response to a manpower shortage in the force, the adviser directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take necessary steps to expand police organisational structure. He also called for enhanced training and deployment to meet evolving crime trends.
Additional issues discussed during the meeting included the establishment of traffic boxes, tents for night patrol units, and intensified operations against drug kingpins.
The event was attended by Special Assistant to Chief Adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs Md Khoda Bux Chowdhury, Senior Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Ghani and Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali, among others.
The session began with a welcome speech by IGP Baharul Alam and concluded with a Q&A session where the adviser responded to queries from police personnel across all units.
SH
