Police Fully Prepared for Upcoming National Election Challenges: IGP Baharul Alam
Police Fully Prepared for Upcoming National Election Challenges. With the national parliamentary election approaching, Bangladesh is entering a crucial moment that demands strong security, disciplined law enforcement, and public confidence. On Monday, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam assured the nation that the Bangladesh Police is fully ready to confront any challenge linked to the upcoming election. Speaking at a high-level meeting at the Police Headquarters, the IGP highlighted operational readiness, improved public communication, and renewed focus on professionalism.
This announcement comes at a time when ensuring peaceful, fair, and secure elections is a national priority. The IGP stressed that this election is not only a security challenge but also a chance for the police to strengthen their reputation among citizens.
Police See Election as an Opportunity to Rebuild Public Trust
IGP Baharul Alam noted that previous elections created a “negative image” of the police in the eyes of some citizens.
He urged officers to approach this election with sincerity, transparency, and responsibility:
- Serve without bias
- Ensure voter safety
- Respond swiftly to unrest
- Work professionally to regain public confidence
He highlighted that the behaviour of police personnel during the election will play a key role in shaping public trust for years to come.
Top Officials Attend the High-Level Briefing
The meeting saw participation from the country’s top law enforcement leaders, including:
- SM Sazzat Ali, Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police
- AKM Shahidur Rahman, Director General of RAB
- Md Golam Rasul, Chief of Special Branch (SB)
- Additional IGPs and heads of specialized units
- Police commissioners and range DIGs
- All district SPs joined virtually
Their attendance underlined the importance of coordinated planning across all divisions.
Focus on Law and Order: Crime Overview Presented
Additional IGP (Crime and Operations) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam delivered a detailed report covering:
- Current law-and-order challenges
- Recent crime trends
- District-wise updates
- Security vulnerabilities before the election
The overview helped set clear priorities for the coming weeks.
Strong Directives Issued to All Police Units
During the meeting, the IGP gave several key directives to strengthen election security and improve overall policing performance across the country.
1. Recovering Missing and Illegal Firearms
The police chief expressed serious concern about missing and illegal firearms. He ordered:
- Intensified operations to recover looted or unregistered weapons
- Better intelligence gathering
- Raising public awareness about government-announced rewards for reporting illegal firearms
He stressed that controlling illegal weapons is essential for maintaining peace during the election.
2. Ensuring Smooth Election Training Programs
With election duty approaching, thousands of officers are undergoing training.
The IGP instructed unit heads to:
- Personally monitor all election-related training
- Ensure officers understand updated rules and protocols
- Maintain discipline and accuracy during sensitive operations
3. Police Clearance Certificates Must Be Delivered Without Harassment
The IGP reminded SPs to guarantee timely issuance of police clearance certificates, which thousands of citizens require for jobs, visas, or travel.
He made it clear:
“No applicant should face harassment or unnecessary delays.”
This directive aims to improve public service and reduce complaints.
4. Register Complaints on Enforced Disappearances
The police chief instructed field-level officers to register cases submitted to the Commission on enforced disappearances.
He emphasized:
- Respecting each complaint
- Recording cases without hesitation
- Conducting proper investigations
This reflects a broader push toward accountability and transparency.
5. Special Attention to Anti-Discrimination Movement Cases
Cases linked to the anti-discrimination movement must be handled carefully.
The IGP directed investigators to:
- Prioritize these cases
- Maintain accuracy and fairness
- Enhance the quality of investigation reports
He emphasized that sensitive cases require professionalism and neutrality.
Why This Statement Matters Ahead of the Election
The IGP’s announcement sends a strong message as Bangladesh prepares for one of its most important democratic events. His directives aim to:
Improve voter confidence
Ensuring that voters feel safe and respected is essential for a peaceful election.
Strengthen the police’s credibility
Transparent actions and fair policing can help reshape public perception.
Prevent violence and ensure secure polling
Election periods often create unrest. Enhanced intelligence and strong recovery operations for illegal weapons will help prevent disruptions.
Maintain nationwide coordination
The presence of senior officers from all units shows the unified commitment of the police force.
Conclusion
Bangladesh Police have entered the election phase with strengthened preparation, operational clarity, and renewed commitment to public trust. IGP Baharul Alam’s directives highlight a nationwide readiness to ensure peaceful, fair, and secure elections while improving service quality and accountability across all units.