PM Calls For Extending Support to Police for Nabbing Criminals

The scale of terrorism and violence perpetrated by BNP and Jamaat cohorts has caused a big threat to the country's image abroad as well as ongoing development, she said while inaugurating the Police week-2015 here today.

Sheikh Hasina said a country can economically prosper only if peace is prevailed. But now the air of Bangladesh is filled with the public wails as they are losing their near and dears everyday because of imprudent violence, arson and petrol bomb attack of BNP-Jamaat.

"Even the minor children are not safe from their violence and they are enforcing hartal and siege programmes on the important religious days and Biswa Ijtema," she said.

The Prime Minister said the country was running smoothly for the last one year after last general election. But, BNP-Jamaat without any reason have started the current spell of heinous activities, she said urging the parties to stop the violence.

State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Inspector General of Police (IGP) A K M Shahidul Hoque and senior officials of police were present on the occasion held at Rajarbagh Police Line here.

PM's Special Envoy former president HM Ershad, leader of the opposition Rowshan Ershad, cabinet members, state ministers and senior government officials attended the function.

Appreciating the role of police in curbing terrorist activities, sabotage, anarchy and other destructive activities of BNP-Jamaat in recent years, the Prime Minister said members of the police forces are discharging their duties with utmost responsibility even taking risk of their lives in many cases.

Marking the inauguration of the Police Week-2015, an attractive parade of members of different units of the police was held. The Prime Minister reviewed the parade and took salute.

On the occasion the Prime Minister adorned 86 police officials and constables with Police Padak - 2014 in four categories for their outstanding contribution in providing services to the people and demonstrating their professional excellence.

Out of them, 10 were awarded Bangladesh Police Medal- BPM (Sahosikata) and 20 were given BPM (Seba). Sixteen police personnel were given President Police Medal- PPM- (Sahosikata) and 40 were awarded PPM (Seba). Three constables were given BPM (Sahosikata) posthumously.

Recalling the resistance of police force of Rajarbagh Police Line against the barbaric attack of Pakistani Army in the dreadful night of March 25, 1971, the Prime Minister said patriotic police force is the symbol of peace, security and discipline.

As far as security reasons are concerned, she said, police is the main resort for people. Providing internal security, establishing rule of law and protecting human rights of the people are the holy duty of the police force.

In this view, she said, the Awami League government, whenever it has come to power, has taken many development and reform measures in the police for its modernization and making it as a people-friendly and professional force as well.

The Awami League government has implemented many of its commitments given for modernization of police, Sheikh Hasina said.

Terming the law and order as the most important factor for development, the Prime Minister said her government always believes allocation for law and order not as an expenditure but investment. "It is the demand of time for strengthening the strategic planning of police, development of its infrastructure and human resources and enhance the capacity of police," she said.

Highlighting her government's decision to create 50,000 more posts for police, Sheikh Hasina said the government would continue its efforts for creating more specialized units in police, procurement of transports and infrastructure development.

The Prime Minister said the government has created over 31 thousand 744 posts including 739 cadre posts in the police department along with establishing many specialized units. Industrialized Police helped restoring discipline and security in the garment sector, creating investment friendly atmosphere.

People of all strata are getting benefits of formation of the Industrial police, Bureau of Investigation, Tourist Police, Marine Police and two security and protection battalions, she said adding, "process is going on to constitute metropolitan police force for Gazipur and Rangpur and a specialized unit to combat insurgency activities, militancy and terrorism."

The work for constitution of a sophisticated and independent armed police battalion will be completed very soon which will be responsible for overall security of the airports, she said.

In this regard the Prime Minister said police stations are the visible centre of the services of the police. "So every police station and police post has to work with local people to control crimes provide effective service to the people. The activities of the Community Police should be more strengthened," she said.

The Prime Minister said post of second grade inspector has been upgraded to first class while 3rd class posts of SI/Sergeant were made second class. Post of IGP has been upgraded to Senior Secretary while another two grade-II posts of police service were made equivalent to Secretary of the government.

The number of Grade-one officers in the police will be increased if necessary, she said noting that the IGP Rank Badge which was introduced by Father of the Nation has been reintroduced by the present government.

Sheikh Hasina said police members from constable to sub-inspector are getting 30 percent risk allowance and the government is mulling introducing the risk allowance in all tiers of police department in phases.

She said professionalism and efficiency of Bangladesh Police has earned praise in the UN Peacekeeping Missions. "Steps would be taken to expedite the activities of police in the UN missions," she said.

Underlining the country's economic and social progress over the last six years, the Prime Minister said BNP-Jamaat choose the path of destruction when the country is running on the road of development.

She expressed her firm determination to protect the lives and properties of the people through eliminating all sorts of violence and terrorism. She urged people to lent their support to police to resist the evil force. ring people to lent their support to police n the country is on the road of development. cure necessary transport and an resou

Congratulating the winners of Police Medal-2014, the Prime Minister hoped that every member of police force will show their highest patriotism while discharging their duties and they will work more closely with the people.