Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir said that 27 police officers and members have been sent to jail in the last two months on charges of drug involvement.
He said the police force must first clean up its own ranks to strengthen the institution. Meanwhile, a project has been undertaken to purchase approximately 5,800 vehicles to address the shortage of police vehicles. At least 15,000 new police personnel will also be recruited every year to address the manpower shortage.
He made these remarks at a community policing rally and a press briefing held at the auditorium of Bagerhat District Police Lines on Sunday.
The IGP said, “In the last two months, I have sent 27 police officers and personnel to jail over their involvement in drug-related offences.
First, let us clean up our own house, and then we can clean up the rest.” The meeting was chaired by Bagerhat Superintendent of Police Md. Jamilur Islam.
Among those present were Khulna Range Deputy Inspector General Md. Rezaul Karim, Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Md. Baten, Government P.C. College Principal Professor Parveen Akhter, Bagerhat Press Club President Abu Sayeed Shunu, district-level officials and employees, and representatives of civil society.
Speaking about internal discipline within the police force, drug eradication, manpower and vehicle shortages, and the law and order situation, the IGP said the police force was rendered ineffective and that action was being taken against those responsible for weakening it.
Addressing police personnel, he said that an officer assigned to Cox’s Bazar to conduct an anti-drug operation must not become involved in the drug trade himself. He added that personnel who perform their duties properly should have no fear of losing their jobs and assured them that he would take responsibility in this regard.
The IGP said initiatives were taken to build a humane and people-friendly police force and improve the country’s law and order situation. He stressed the importance of cooperation from journalists, people from all walks of life, and the general public.
He also said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government had undertaken various initiatives to further strengthen the police force.
According to the IGP, the police force faces a shortage of approximately 2,500 vehicles compared with its requirements. In addition, a considerable number of police vehicles are between eight and 20 years old.
To address the situation, a new project was undertaken to purchase approximately 5,800 vehicles. He said the project was approved last week.