Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed law enforcement agencies across the country to pursue criminal activity without regard to political affiliation, declaring that his government will not tolerate corruption, terrorism or administrative abuse under any circumstances.
Addressing senior officers during Police Week 2026 at his office in Tejgaon on Monday, Tarique delivered a clear message: political identity must not shield anyone from the law.
He acknowledged that officers often face pressure when dealing with individuals linked to political groups, but said such considerations must be set aside. Anyone involved in wrongdoing, he stated, must be treated strictly as a criminal.
Tarique underscored that the police serve the law and the state, not any political party. Equal application of the law is fundamental, he said, urging officers to remember that their loyalty lies with the country and its citizens. The effectiveness of any government, he added, depends heavily on a capable, impartial and professional police force.
The Prime Minister stressed that public perception of the government is often shaped by how police respond in moments of crisis. When people feel threatened, he noted, they turn first to the nearest police station. In that sense, he described the police as a reflection of the state itself.
Tarique called for stronger public trust in law enforcement, saying the relationship between police and citizens must be grounded in both legality and humanity.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a democratic system that safeguards political rights, while warning that no individual or group would be allowed to damage communal harmony or engage in sabotage.
He also pointed to the growing complexity of modern policing. Technological change and transnational organised crime have expanded the scope of police work beyond traditional geographic limits, requiring more specialised skills and broader expertise.
Law enforcement, he said, must adapt to evolving crime patterns that are increasingly global and technology-driven.
Tarique cautioned officers against prioritising promotions or preferred postings over professional integrity. Assignments should be carried out with dedication wherever they are given, he said, reminding the force that neither political administrations nor official positions are permanent.
Referring to challenges following August 5, the Prime Minister commended police for strategically managing difficult situations and helping to contain incidents of mob violence over the past year and a half.
He said the government aims to transform the force into one that ordinary citizens can approach with confidence.
Communal harmony was another central theme of his address. Tarique urged officers to respect colleagues and citizens of all religious backgrounds and to actively safeguard unity within the country’s diverse communities.
Maintaining law and order, he said, is essential to achieving Bangladesh’s broader goals of prosperity, self-reliance, democracy and security. He linked crime partly to social and economic inequality, noting that his government has introduced measures to reduce disparities and strengthen social safety nets.
The Prime Minister assured the police force that recruitment, transfers and promotions would be guided by honesty, merit and efficiency. He acknowledged that police responsibilities rarely fit within fixed working hours and said the administration would continue working to support the welfare of officers.
Reaffirming the Police Week 2026 theme, My Police, My Country, Bangladesh First, Tarique encouraged officers to embody values of integrity, fairness, professionalism and service. Upholding these principles, he said, would give real meaning to the slogan.
During a separate meeting with senior officials at the Prime Minister’s Office, Tarique also called on police personnel to rise above ideological differences while performing their duties. Personal beliefs, he said, must not influence official responsibilities, and political disagreements should be expressed only through the ballot box. National unity, he added, must come before partisan considerations.
The week-long Police Week 2026 programme was formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister on Sunday at Rajarbagh Police Lines and will conclude on May 13.
Senior government and police officials, including Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, attended Monday’s events, which ended with a group photo session at the Prime Minister’s Office.
