DHAKA, May 1, 2025 (BSS) - Eminent personalities at a discussion here today said people want to see police as a force that is free from political influence and impartial in protecting people’s rights as well as humanitarian values.

They came up with the remarks while taking part in the discussion on ‘Pro-people police in citizens’ thinking: Bonding for security and confidence’ at Rajarbagh Police Lines auditorium here.

Bangladesh Police organized the discussion on the occasion of ‘Police Week-2025’ that concluded today.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam presided over the discussion where Dr Salimullah Khan was present as the main speaker.

Among others, Editor of the New Age Nurul Kabir, eminent industrialist Syed Nasim Manzur, Professor of the Peace and Conflict Department of Dhaka University Sajjad Siddiqui, member of the Public Service Commission Prof Chowdhury Saima Ferdaus, member of the Electoral Reform Commission Dr Jahed-ur-Rahman, former IGPs Md Abdul Quiyum and Md Nurul Huda, joined the discussion.

Chief of the Special Branch (SB) Md Golam Rasul, who was discussion sub-committee president, delivered the concluding speech.

Special Assistant to the chief adviser for home affairs Md Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, senior retired police officers, commissioners of all metropolitans, Deputy Inspector Generals of all ranges, superintendents of police of all districts and the dignitaries from all communities were present.

Dr Salimullah Khan, in his speech, said every country in the world has its own police as it is a part of the society. The present crisis of the police should be discussed elaborately; he said, adding that the police should not work against the people.       

IGP Baharul Alam said that the people’s police are not only an identity but also a philosophy which builds confidence, respect and honour side by side creates a sense of safety and security among the people.

“History teaches us that not arms, people’s confidence is our strength,” he said, adding that if the police stand by the side of the people, they could not be a symbol of fear rather they could be a symbol of dependable shelter.