Police regained self-respect thru polls: Press secy

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said that police force regained its self-respect through its role in the national election, highlighting what he described as a confident and professional performance.

He made the remarks on Sunday at a press conference held at Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Shafiqul Alam said the cabinet observed that the election had helped restore the morale and dignity of police. 

Referring to the force’s controversial role during July–August 2024, he noted that many had questioned whether the police, amid concerns about low confidence, would be able to ensure a credible election.

“There was discussion about whether we would be able to witness a good election with this police force,” he said, adding that officers had performed their duties well.

He said body-worn cameras were used extensively for the first time on such a large scale. 

The Chief Adviser personally monitored the situation from Police Headquarters for about an hour and a half and directly communicated with 17 polling centres.

The cabinet hopes that wider deployment of body cameras in future elections will yield even better results, he added. 

He also mentioned that “Surokkha” app played an important role in coordinating election officials.

According to him, CCTV surveillance was also helpful during the polls. Referring to remarks by Home Adviser, Shafiqul said four deaths were reported after the election, but only one was directly linked to election-related violence.

Regarding an incident involving a woman in Hatiya, he said a probe committee would be formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

Senior Assistant Press Secretary to Chief Adviser Faiz Ahmed and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi, among others, were present at the briefing.

SH