President M Abdul Hamid has asked the police officers to be more alert and vigilant in preventing militancy, terrorism and drug abuse.
"You (police) must perform your duties with dedication ... You should be more alert and vigilant in preventing militancy, terrorism and drug abuse," he told the police officials, gathered at Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban on Wednesday evening on the occasion of "Police Week-2023".
Highlighting the various activities of the government for the development and modernisation of Bangladesh police, the President directed the police force to develop their respective efficiency to face future challenges.
The Head of the State also advised them to work with honesty and devotion for the welfare of the country and its people, being imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War, according to BSS.
Appreciating the role of the police in maintaining law and order across the country, the President said it should be ensured that no justice seekers are harassed anyway.
Terming the 'police station' as the preliminary centre for people to get legal assistance, he categorically asked the police personnel to work with dedication in providing the expected services to the endangered people who have to come to the police station.
Abdul Hamid also urged to treat them humanely and that no person should be subjected to undue harassment when coming to the police station.
He put emphasis on building a people-friendly policing system by attaching more people to various programmes including community policing, beat policing, open house day etc.
Crime control would be much easier for the police if they could gain people's trust by developing cordial relations with them, the President felt.
"There is no alternative to enhance skills and capabilities of police to meet the growing challenges of different cybercrimes, including financial crime and cyber-bullying, along with traditional crime," he observed.
President Hamid said Bangladesh Police must also be ahead to face the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution, being proactive in suppressing crime through the incorporation and use of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data etc.
On spreading drug abuse in the country, the President called upon people of all classes and professions to build a social movement against drugs.
"Bangladesh Police should be more proactive in suppressing juvenile crime. I request parents, guardians and families to play a responsible role in this connection also," he added.
Police has to acquire capabilities to meet contemporary challenges through research and innovation in various fields.
Mentioning that the government has implemented various programmes for the development and modernisation of the Bangladesh Police, President Hamid said the police force should be coped with the developed Bangladesh concept 2041.
"Remember, people should not be afraid of . . . May people love you. You know, people respect the police in many countries. You too learn to earn respect," the President quoted as saying at his inaugural address of the first Police Week at Rajarbagh Police Lines on January 15, 1975.
By reminding the words of Bangabandhu's deep sense of compassion and love for the people, President Hamid added: "I want to say that you should treat people humanely, treat them well. Always listen carefully to their problems and provide necessary assistance".
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, MP, Senior Secretary of Public Security Division of Home Ministry Md Aminul Islam Khan, secretaries concerned to Bangabhaban, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and senior police officers were also present.
Later, President Abdul Hamid attended a photo session with the senior police officers.