In a decisive move to restore the professional integrity of the nation’s primary law enforcement agency, the Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, has declared that “no individual or entity” will be permitted to interfere with police operations. Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Monday, 23 February, the Minister outlined a vision for a depoliticised force, stressing that any attempt to obstruct legitimate police work would be met with immediate legal consequences.
Safeguarding the Rule of Law
The Minister’s remarks come at a critical juncture for the Bangladesh Police, a force that has historically struggled with perceptions of political bias. Mr Ahmed emphasised that the era of “extra-legal” influence is over. Whether the pressure originates from political heavyweights or social influencers, the mandate is clear: the police must be allowed to function independently within the bounds of the law.
“Illegal interference in the discharge of police duties will not be tolerated,” the Minister stated firmly. “If any person, regardless of their political or social standing, attempts to hinder a lawful police action, the state will take swift and uncompromising action against them.”
Restoring Public Trust and Accountability
A central theme of the Minister’s address was the tarnished reputation of the force under previous administrations. He admitted that systemic political interference had severely damaged the “image and morale” of officers. To rectify this, the Ministry of Home Affairs is implementing a dual-track strategy: protection from external meddling and the enforcement of internal accountability.
| Policy Pillar | Actionable Objective |
| Operational Autonomy | Protecting officers from political and social coercion. |
| Public Service Focus | Ensuring police activities do not cause undue public suffering. |
| Institutional Reform | Restoring the damaged reputation of the force. |
| Strict Accountability | Monitoring police conduct to prevent the abuse of power. |
A Balanced Approach to Law and Justice
While the Minister promised to shield officers from external “mob justice” or political dictates, he was equally clear that this autonomy does not grant the police carte blanche. He noted that the Ministry would be closely monitoring the force to ensure that law enforcement activities do not lead to “public harassment.”
By positioning “Law and Justice” (আইন ও বিচার) as the primary framework, Mr Ahmed intends to transform the police into a service-oriented institution. This involves ensuring that officers are answerable to the law rather than to political masters. This shift is viewed by experts as essential for stabilising the country’s internal security and ensuring that justice is administered fairly to all citizens.