The newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ali Hossain Fakir, has unveiled a rigorous new strategy to dismantle the cycle of recidivism among habitual offenders. In a bid to curb the activities of extortionists, muggers, drug traffickers, and “juvenile gangs,” the police chief announced that criminals released on bail will now be mandated to report to their local Officer-in-Charge (OC) on a weekly basis.
During a high-profile inspection of Dhaka’s security apparatus on Thursday night—his first major field operation since taking office—the IGP expressed frustration over the “revolving door” justice system. He noted that many criminals return to their illicit trades almost immediately after securing bail.
“We are implementing an area-based listing system,” the IGP explained. “Upon their release, these individuals must present themselves to the OC every week to declare, ‘Sir, I am leading a reformed life.’ This process has officially commenced.”
Enhancing Field Presence and Visibility
The IGP’s tour included volatile hotspots such as Geneva Camp, Mohammadpur Town Hall, and the Mohammadpur Three-Way Intersection. By engaging directly with officers on the ground, Ali Hossain Fakir aims to boost morale and ensure strict enforcement of the law. He emphasised that his presence on the streets serves as a catalyst for his colleagues to remain vigilant.
Key Policy Initiatives and Directives
Beyond recidivism, the IGP addressed several critical pillars of institutional and social reform:
| Focus Area | Proposed Action / Stance |
| Narcotics | Zero-tolerance policy; termed the “number one assignment” by the Prime Minister. |
| Police Uniform | Seeking a more “visible” field-level uniform to improve public recognition. |
| Institutional Reform | Emphasis on a “change of heart” and “positive attitude” over mere aesthetic changes. |
| Street Hawking | Transitioning from forced evictions to the establishment of “Holiday Markets.” |
A Cultural Shift Within the Force
Addressing the ongoing debate regarding the police uniform—a point of contention for the Police Service Association—the IGP hinted at an upcoming redesign. However, he was quick to point out that cloth and colour are secondary to character. “No matter how fine the uniform, if our officers do not possess the heart of a true public servant, change will remain superficial,” he remarked.
Furthermore, he tackled the long-standing issue of footpath encroachment. Acknowledging past allegations of “joint extortion” involving local influential figures and administration officials, the IGP proposed a collaborative approach. He intends to work with stakeholders to create designated markets, thereby clearing the roads while protecting the livelihoods of small-scale vendors.
The inspection was attended by high-ranking officials, including Dhaka’s Acting Police Commissioner Sarwar and Deputy Commissioner Ibn Mizan of the Tejgaon Division.