Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir today (26 October) said police would not hesitate to resort to "crossfire" to curb crime if the government allows the measure.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Community Islamic Bank System in the capital's Chawkbazar area, the IGP said police are essential to maintaining peace and security.
"Just because we have freedom does not mean we can do whatever we want," he said.
He urged people not to take the law into their own hands. He also cautioned against routinely blaming the police for every incident.
The IGP raised concerns about the spread of drugs in neighbourhoods. He also cited allegations that some police personnel and members of the activities-banned Awami League are involved in the drug trade.
He mentioned that 27 police personnel have been sent to jail over drug links in the past two months.
Police role and accountability
The IGP said police played a vital role in maintaining peace and security, adding that officers needed a suitable environment to perform their duties effectively.
He urged people not to take the law into their own hands or blame police for every incident. He also called on the public to verify information rather than believe rumours and false allegations.
However, he acknowledged that complaints against police personnel must be addressed and officers found guilty of crimes must face action.
"The police are needed from the cradle to the grave, allow me to perform my duties in accordance with the law and the Constitution. But we also have checks and balances," he said.
He stressed the need to recruit educated and skilled candidates into the police force, noting that officers frequently interact with people from different sections of society.
Problems at universities, industrial establishments and other institutions often require police intervention, he said, adding that such interventions sometimes bring officers into direct confrontation with members of the public.
Society could not function properly if police arbitrarily deprived people of their freedom, he said. At the same time, maintaining law and order became difficult when people obstructed officers from performing their duties.
Addressing criticism of police operations, the IGP said officers faced criticism whether they used force or refrained from acting.
"If we beat people with batons, you will call us fascist police. And if we remain silent, you will call us weak police. So, we must be given an environment in which to work. We must be empowered," he said.
He also warned against blackmailing police personnel and urged people to protect themselves from becoming victims of blackmail.
The IGP added that police personnel had been afraid to perform their duties on the streets following the July uprising.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, police were working day and night to build a prosperous Bangladesh and ensure a peaceful environment for the people, he said.
The IGP stressed the need for collective efforts to maintain internal discipline, ensure peace and prosperity, and achieve economic development.
He concluded by wishing prosperity for the country and well-being for its people.