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Khulna: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir on Saturday said the police were working to restore public trust and establish peace and justice by building an effective, humane and people-friendly force.
“We want to rebuild public confidence in the police and establish a relationship of trust with people. Our goal is to become a more humane and people-friendly police force,” he said.
The IGP made the remarks while talking to local journalists after a community policing meeting at Khulna Metropolitan Police Lines in the afternoon.
Organised by Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP), the meeting focused on combating drugs, terrorism, extortion, juvenile gangs and extremism in Khulna.
Fakir said one of the police force’s key objectives was to bridge the gap that had developed between the police and the public over the past 17 years.
“After August 5, the police have regained their footing with renewed determination and are carrying out their duties,” he said.
Referring to the government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs and extortion, the IGP said the authorities aimed to build a society free from drugs, extortion and juvenile gangs.
He expressed hope that all stakeholders would work together to eliminate these crimes and ensure a safer environment for the public.
Joint operations are currently underway against juvenile gangs, extortionists, drug dealers and terrorists, he said, adding that the government had placed particular emphasis on intensifying such drives.
To strengthen these efforts, the relevant government ministry had approved a framework for conducting community policing activities in a more structured and accountable manner, Fakir said.
However, he acknowledged allegations that some community policing members had harassed innocent people, intimidated them and extorted money.
“Such incidents must not happen again. Community policing activities will be conducted within a legal framework to prevent these abuses,” he said.
The IGP’s remarks underscored the need to ensure that community policing operates within the law and serves local residents rather than becoming a source of harassment.
Calling journalists the mirror of society, Fakir urged them to support community policing initiatives. He expressed confidence that cooperation among the police, journalists and the public would help build a peaceful and secure society.
KMP Commissioner Md Shazzadur Rahman chaired the meeting, which was attended by Khulna Range Deputy Inspector General Md Rezaul Karim and Police Training Centre, Khulna Commandant (DIG) AKM Musharraf Hossain Miaze as special guests.
Local dignitaries and civil society representatives were also present.
Later, the IGP held a meeting with senior police officials from different units in Khulna at the office of the Khulna Range DIG.