PM pledges to beef up police to fight terror

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the police would be effectively armed with modern technologies and increased manpower, including more female members, to make the cops more capable of combating terrorism and militancy.
Declaring the opening of Bangladesh Police Week-2009 at a function at the Prime Minister's Office, she also urged the police department to launch social counselling among the commoners to create public opinion against the spread of militancy and other forms of terrorism.
"In many cases, it is found that terrorists are using more modern technologies than the law enforcers'. Hence, modern technologies will be incorporated in the police department and workforce will be increased," she said addressing the police top brass on the occasion.
Following a demand from the police officers, the PM further said the government would explore the possibility of forming a modern separate cell or unit like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the USA and other skilled units of various countries to infuse dynamism into investigation and the combat against the criminal acts.
The premier mooted the idea of a new investigation outfit on a par with the investigative policing of the modern world at a time when her new government had to commission the services of FBI and Scotland Yard trying the break the case of terrible mutiny at the BDR headquarters.
Home Minister Sahara Khatun, Cabinet Secretary M Abdul Aziz, Home Secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikder and Inspector General of Police Nur Mohammad also spoke on the occasion.
Sheikh Hasina said the government would do everything, including increasing allocation, for making the police department well-equipped and well-trained.
Responding to another demand of the police officers, the prime minister said forming several separate units like Marine Police, Industrial Zone Police is seriously needed.
Unveiling further plans she said, "The government will consider the possibility of setting up more police lines in the city's Mirpur, Demra and other surrounding areas."
Hasina also assured them of removing the accommodation crisis and increasing risk allowances for the police force.
She praised the police department for its hard labour in maintaining law and order. "You have to work round the clock. You do not have any specific working hours. Even, sometimes, many policemen have to pass a day without any meals for the sake of duty."
However, the PM noted that there is no scope for getting complacent. "You need to be more active and industrious to keep people's life and property well-protected," she said.
Hasina observed that an uninterrupted flow of democracy, social stability and good governance are the three key ingredients for development of a country.
And "each of these elements can be achieved if police can work effectively."
She further noted that if a country remains unstable due to problems like militancy and terrorism, investment would not come, which will also reduce employment opportunities.
"Eradicating militancy and terrorism is indispensable to attract investment from home and abroad. Police can play a significant role by maintaining law and order and social stability."
Apart from disclosing the government's plans to modernize the police department, the premier also cautioned the police members of stern action if anyone is found involved in any illegal act like taking bribe and extortion and harassing people.
"Work in such a way so that the people can trust and respect you. Remove police fear from the people and be their friend," she said.
Hasina hoped that not a single person would be harassed by the policemen and asked the law enforcers to be careful about violation of human rights in all cases.
She asked police members to work keeping themselves above all political influence. "Not political loyalty but merit, skill and professional quality will be our scale of evaluation."
The PM strongly condemned the killings of army officers and civilians inside the Pilkhana BDR headquarters on February 25-26 and recent bomb attack on a mosque in Pakistan.
"How a Muslim can kill another Muslim in such a way?" she wondered.
Sheikh Hasina called upon the police officers to remain cautious about bigotry in the name of the religion of peace, that is, Islam.