Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday asked the police to achieve greater efficiency in technology to hunt down transnational organised criminals and those involved in money laundering, cybercrime and other crimes.

‘I hope, the police will take steps over newer technologies for crime data management and citizen information management system software to control and contain crimes and identify criminals,’ she said

The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating the Police Week-2018 at Dhaka Metropolitan Police Lines, Rajarbagh. The Police Week-2018 began with the motto ‘Remedy of Militancy and Drugs: Commitment of Bangladesh Police’.

Sheikh Hasina assured the police of providing them with proper training both at home and abroad to enhance their capability on science-based investigations alongside improving skills in ICT.

The Prime Minister also asked the police to build themselves as members of a pro-people force as their duty towards people is enormous.  ‘You must always remember that you’re the members of the police force of independent Bangladesh…your duty towards people is enormous…you have to build yourselves as pro-people ones.’     

Describing the Bangladesh Police as a symbol of peace, security and discipline, Hasina hoped that each and every police personnel will discharge his or her duty properly, and come forward in aid of the helpless and distressed people. ‘I hope, you’ll extend your hands towards them.’ 

The Prime Minister said the members of the police force have to ensure accountability in every work. ‘By the time, ‘IGP Complaint Cell’ has been set up at the Police Headquarters. I hope, this will play an effective role in ensuring the professional accountability of police personnel.’  

Hasina said the members of the police force are discharging their duties in all critical moments with courage and their sincerity, efficiency and professionalism in maintaining democratic trend and establishing good governance have been highly appreciated by people.

Referring to Gulshan and Sholakia terror attacks that took place in 2016, she said her government has been able to create a mass awareness against terrorism and militancy through involving families, women, mass media and religious leaders at the grassroots levels. ‘We’ve been able to contain such social menaces with an iron hand.’

The people of the country will always remember with respect and gratitude the contributions and sacrifices of the police as many of them were killed while working to resist terrorism, killing, arson attacks, torching and vandalism by BNP-Jamat nexus and their cohorts, and also during the anti-terrorism drive, she said.

The Prime Minister referred to the formation of Police Anti-Terrorism Unit to increase capability of the police in stamping out terrorism, and hoped that the newly established unit would continue to play its effective role in rooting out the menace as well as bringing the patrons of terrorists under the purview of law.

Mentioning that a stable law-and-order situation as a precondition to development, Hasina said her government considers the allocation of money in this sector as an investment, not expenses.

She said the government has been implementing various plans to increase the capability of the police strengthening logistic support to them and developing infrastructure and human resource management and thus establish a safe and peaceful country.

The Prime Minister highly appreciated the introduction of Online Police Clearance Service, Moble Apps-Bd Police Help Line, E-Traffic Prosecution & Fine Payment System as well as National Emergency Services-999.

She called upon all to work together to build Sonar Bangladesh as the most developed, prosperous as well as poverty- and hunger-free country in South Asia as dreamt by the Father of the Nation.

Hasina reviewed a spectacular parade of different contingents of Bangladesh Police arranged on the occasion. Riding an open jeep, she visited the parade and took salute.

The Prime Minister handed over awards in four categories to 182 policemen for their outstanding performance in 2017. Of the police personnel, 30 received Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) while 71 President Police Medal (PPM), 28 Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM-Service) and 53 President Police Medal (PPM-Service) awards for their bravery and courage in their services in the last one year.

Hasina also inaugurated the newly-constructed police auditorium at Rajarbagh, and visited the stalls of Police Nari Kalyan Samiti (Punak).

On her arrival at the venue, the Prime Minister was received by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Hoque.