Upcoming polls a test case for new IGP

Outgoing Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Hoque yesterday said that the upcoming national election would be a big challenge for the newly appointed IGP Mohammad Javed Patwary.

“It is the election year and it will be a big challenge for the new IGP to ensure peaceful atmosphere for the polls in line with the direction of the Election Commission…,” said Shahidul while briefing the media on his last day in the office.

Earlier, Shahidul handed the charge of IGP to Javed Patwary at the Police Headquarters. He also addressed a programme marking his farewell. Shahidul went on PRL (post-retirement leave) yesterday after serving as the IGP for three years and a month.

Referring to Tuesday's attack on police and snatching of two fellow supporters by BNP activists, the outgoing IGP said such incident may continue in the upcoming days.

“There might be more drama, conspiracy in the upcoming days but police have to be patient and perform their duties within the purview of law,” he advised his former colleagues.

Asked about his unfulfilled dream, Shahidul said he tried his level best to improve the behaviour of police personnel and services in police stations.

But complaints are still coming regarding the police stations, he said.

Though the situation is better than in the past, it still needs to be improved, he said.

At the farewell ceremony, IGP Javed Patwary said a wind of change is blowing in the police force that started from the tenure of former IGP Nur Mohammad and was put forward by Hassan Mahmood Khandker and Shahidul Hoque.

He further sought assistance from all to ensure better policing services in the upcoming days.

A number of police officials also spoke at the farewell ceremony and praised Shahidul for taking different welfare and people-oriented tasks during his tenure, including introducing IGP media award, community policing day, police memorial day, and 999 emergency helpline.

Constable Keya Khatun thanked Shahidul for ensuring a woman-friendly working atmosphere in the police force. She said it is a matter of pride that the ratio of female officials in Bangladesh Police is 8 percent, which is 6 percent in India and 1 percent in Pakistan.

Rapid Action Battalion Director General Benazir Ahmed, DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia, Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Iqbal Bahar also spoke at the farewell ceremony while Additional IGP (admin) Mukhlesur Rahman chaired the function.