The police could not perform their duties properly due to interference by politicians and other influential quarters in the last 36 years, said Inspector General of Police (IGP) Noor Mohammad yesterday.
"Now the police department is trying to turn around taking the opportunity of current changing situation," he said.
Noor Mohammad was addressing an opinion exchange and discussion with the civil society in Tangail jointly organised by Tangail Municipality, District Traders Association and Community Police at Shaheed Smrity Poura Udyan.
Emphasising formation of community policing, he said it is not possible to maintain law and order by only 136,000 strong police personnel as there is only one police official for 1,400 people.
He also warned members of the law enforcement agency saying everyone from the IGP to constable would have to face punishment if found guilty of neglecting duty.
He urged police personnel to establish faith and confidence among the general people and prove themselves as their friends.
In his speech, DG of Rab Hassan Mahmood Khandkar said the elite force has recently declared war against terrorism, including trades and use of any illegal drugs.
"Our fight against terrorism, illegal drugs and drug traders will continue until the country is entirely free of these," he added.
DIG of Dhaka Range Mohammad Amir Uddin, Tangail Deputy Commissioner Akhter Ali Sarkar, and Tangail Superintend of Police Abdul Mannan, among others, addressed the meet.
Members of business associations and 800 units of community police in the district were also present.