Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the government’s top priority is to restore public peace and provide relief to citizens by bringing the law and order situation under control.

He said the police play a leading role in establishing the rule of law. Like other institutions, the police force was also damaged during the previous fascist government. From that fragile state, the force has gradually progressed to its current position, he added.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at the passing-out parade of the 27th Probationary Sergeants and the 43rd Cadet Sub-Inspectors (SI-2006 batch) at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Rajshahi around 11 am on Thursday (October 29).

Referring to the death of former Air Force officer Tahsif, the home minister said no comments should be made before the autopsy report is available. “We will comment only after learning all the relevant facts,” he said.

Addressing the probationary police personnel, Salahuddin Ahmed said the uniform they wear, the identity they carry on their chests and the responsibilities they are about to assume represent more than just a job. They signify a solemn commitment to ensuring public safety, facilitating justice and maintaining law and order in the country.

He said every decision made by a police officer could affect a citizen’s life, a family’s security and peace in society. Therefore, every action must be responsible, every decision lawful and every interaction guided by humanity.

The minister said public expectations of the police were high. He urged the newly trained officers to serve people from all walks of life with greater sincerity and provide legal assistance and protection without fear, intimidation or bias. He stressed that the police must earn public trust by standing beside citizens and serving them.

“People’s hearts must be won through service to the people,” he said.

The minister noted that the nature of crime was changing rapidly. In addition to conventional offences, cybercrime, online fraud, financial scams, drug-related offences, human trafficking and organised crime had created new challenges for law enforcement.

He said traditional experience alone was no longer sufficient to address these challenges. Modern technology, data analysis, scientific investigation, updated knowledge of criminal trends and inter-agency cooperation were essential to building a modern and effective police force.

He also highlighted several initiatives aimed at bringing police services closer to people, including digital and DNA forensic services, laboratory facilities, victim support centres, beat policing, service desks for women, children, older people and persons with disabilities, and the national emergency service.

He said a dedicated cyber police unit had been established to combat crimes committed in cyberspace. The Constitution and the country’s laws empower the police to take action against various forms of crime, he added.

The home minister instructed police officers to take legal action against offenders while protecting the rights of innocent people and maintaining impartiality at every stage of investigation and law enforcement.

He emphasised that the goal should not merely be to respond after a crime has occurred, but also to create an environment in which the risk of crime is reduced and people can lead their lives safely.

Salahuddin Ahmed concluded by saying that the government had undertaken a range of initiatives to strengthen police capacity and efficiency. These include legislative measures, recruitment, vehicle procurement, improved training infrastructure and the provision of necessary logistical support to transform the force into a skilled, modern, service-oriented and humane institution.