Police must be the true friend of the people and a symbol of security, Home Minister.

Special correspondent. *Salahuddin Ahmed* said Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi , that police will not work as the "muscle force" of any particular party or group. Instead, police must become the true friend of the people and a symbol of security Ensuring public safety and transforming the police force into a modern, efficient, and humanitarian service-oriented organization, completely free from partisan influence, is the main goal of the current government. The Minister made these remarks as the chief guest at the Passing Out Parade of the 1st Phase of the 27th BCS (Police) Batch at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi District. The Minister said that due to extreme politicization during the past fascist regime, the morale of the police force was damaged. The government has taken various steps to rebuild it. To restore professionalism in the force, a strict policy of rewards and punishments based on honesty and discipline,has been implemented. He added that those who show courage and do commendable work are being rewarded, while punitive action is being taken against those involved in crimes or disciplinary violations. Congratulating the new officers participating in the parade, the Minister said this joyous moment should have come to them much earlier in their lives. The endless deprivation and inhuman suffering they endured for 18 long years as victims of the past autocratic and fascist government’s revenge is extremely painful." After the fall of the autocratic regime, he extended sincere greetings to all officers for regaining their rightful status and position. Addressing the new ASP probationers, the Minister said, You are entering your professional life at a historic turning point for the country. In the eyes of the law, from a political activist on the streets to a marginal farmer everyone is equal, We must always be careful that no one faces any kind of discrimination while seeking services. He further said that chain of command, discipline, loyalty, and integrated leadership are the core strengths of the force. The Minister also said that in the current age of information technology, new officers must acquire the highest level of technical knowledge in cyber security and crime investigation. The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption so all police members must perform their duties with honesty and sincerity. Expressing optimism, the Minister said that the members of the 27th BCS (Police) Batch 1st Phase will further enrich the Bangladesh Police Force by utilizing the knowledge, wisdom, and experience they have gained in various professions over the last 18 years. Paying tribute to the spirit of the Liberation War and the sacrifices of the martyrs of the 2024 student-mass uprising he urged the new ASP probationers to perform their duties according to public expectations and aspirations to build a peaceful, developed, and democratic Bangladesh. Special guests present at the event included Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu,local Members of Parliament, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, Principal of Bangladesh Police Academy G.M. Azizur Rahman,Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. A.N.M. Bazlur Rashid, and DIG of Rajshahi Range Md. Ashiq Sayeed Senior military and civilian officials, invited guests from home and abroad, parents of the ASP probationers, and journalists from various media outlets were also present. At the event, the Minister inspected the parade and received the salute. He also distributed awards to trainee Assistant Superintendents of Police for excellence in various categories. Best in Field Activities Award Trainee ASP Dr. Md. Nurul Huda Bhuiyan, Best Shooter Trainee ASP ABM Mamun, Best Academic Award Abu Numan Mohammad Khairul Islam, Best Probationer Overall ASP Dr. Md. Nurul Huda Bhuiyan A total of 58 trainees 57 from the 27th BCS (Police) Batch 1st Phase and 1 from the 28th BCS (Police) Batch entered their practical professional life through today’s passing out parade. Later, in a press briefing regarding the recent law and order situation and the recovery of explosive-like objects in Ashulia and Motijheel, the Home Minister said that the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC)and the DMP Bomb Disposal Unit have safely neutralized the items. Stating that the overall law and order situation is fully under the government's control, the Minister said the matter is being investigated with utmost importance. He added that, by comparison, the rate of crime and sabotage in the country is currently very low. However, the government remains alert.