The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday directed the police to remain alert in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people by establishing their rights and justice in society.

Addressing senior officials of Bangladesh Police on the occasion of Annual Police Week-2008 at his office on Wednesday morning, he also asked them to maintain honesty, efficiency and professionalism in discharging their duties to ensure a further forward march of the force.

The Chief Adviser sought cooperation of the police in implementing the ongoing reform measurers of the government and facing the challenges related to elections and economy. He said all these issues have to be tackled successfully for the welfare of the nation and a proper flourishing of democracy.

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed instructed the force to take necessary measurers to protect the huge investment in the country's Readymade Garment (RMG) sector.

He asked them to form a special industrial security unit for Bangladesh after reviewing the models and strategies being followed in different countries.

The Chief Adviser said ensuring security and law and order in the country has now become essential to maintain a favorable environment for local and foreign investment and conduct business. All police personnel have to exercise maximum cautious to this end, he added.

He expressed the hope that the members of the police will play their due role in maintaining the investment friendly environment by ensuring a smooth transportation of commodities in the areas under their jurisdiction.

Assuring the police of taking pragmatic steps in phases to resolve their existing problems, he said the government is pledged bound to turn the police force into a modern and service oriented one.

He said Model Thana, Service Delivery System, Open House Day, Community Policing and Victim Support Service have been introduced to infuse dynamism into police activities at local level apart from making it pro-people and accountable.

He said the people of the country have appreciated these steps and asked the police officials to expand these new ideas and systems across the country for making them sustainable.

Referring to the enormous role of the police in maintaining law and order and ensuring the rule of law, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said the responsibility this law enforcing agency has been increasing day by day in the context of a changing situation.

"Your responsibilities for the vulnerable section of society especially the women, children and elderly people have been increasing gradually and you have to be alert and conscious to discharge your duties," he added.

Dr. Fakhruddin said the judiciary has been separated from the executive for establishing good governance and justice and now it is necessary to set up a police system harmonious to the independent judiciary.

The Chief Adviser said the present Caretaker Government since assuming power is working relentlessly to create a healthy and welfare oriented democratic environment to flourish democratic culture and values in all spheres of the administration.

Reminding them of the government's effective steps in bringing reforms in some national institutions to ensure accountability and strengthen the base of democracy, he said similar measures will be taken to transform the police into a real and modern service-oriented organisation.

"Steps are underway to formulate a time befitting and accountable new act amending the colonial Police Act-1861," he added.

The Chief Adviser said opportunities have now been created for the police to discharge their duties independently and neutrally because of an impartial and firm attitude of the present government. Utilizing this privilege, the police have to earn more confidence of the people, he added.

The Chief Adviser said the sense of comfort and relief that has been restored to the minds of the people through the steps taken against terrorism, extortion and corruption must be given a sustainable shape.

The chief adviser asked the police to take comprehensive initiatives to establish a knowledge- based honest, skilled and enlightened police service to ensure justice, good governance and a peaceful democratic society.

He directed them to take initiative for bringing all police stations and units under computer network and said information, research and intelligence systems have to be strengthened to get a clear picture of the causes of crimes, their nature in different areas and how to control them.

Communications Adviser Maj. Gen. (retd) MA Matin, Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder, Home Secretary Mohammad Abdul Karim, Inspector General of Police Noor Muhammad, Additional IGP Naba Bikram Krishak Tripura and Special Police Super of Special Branch Golam Rasul, addressed on the occasion. Joint Commissioner of Police Mili Biswas conducted the function.