Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir on Saturday said police are working to build an effective policing system to restore public trust and establish peace and justice in society.
“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 while talking to local journalists after a community policing meeting at Khulna Metropolitan Police Lines in the afternoon.
The meeting, organized by Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP), focused on combating drugs, terrorism, extortion, juvenile gangs and extremism in Khulna.
The IGP said one of the key goals is to bridge the gap that 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, Fakir said the aim is to ensure a society free from drugs, extortion and juvenile gangs.
He expressed hope that all stakeholders would work together to eliminate these crimes.
He said joint drives are currently underway against juvenile gangs, extortionists, drug dealers and terrorists.
The government has placed particular emphasis on intensifying these operations, he added.
To this end, the relevant government ministry has approved a framework for conducting community policing activities in a more structured manner, he said.
Fakir 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.
Calling journalists the mirror of society, the IGP urged them to support community policing initiatives, expressing confidence that collective efforts would help build a peaceful and secure society.
KMP Commissioner Md Shazzadur Rahman chaired the meeting, attended by Khulna Range DIG Md Rezaul Karim and Police Training Centre, Khulna Commandant (DIG) AKM Musharraf Hossain Miaze as special guests.
Local dignitaries and representatives of civil society were also present.
Later, the IGP held a meeting with senior police officials working in different units in Khulna at the office of the Khulna Range DIG.
