The government has ordered the urgent recruitment of 2,701 constables into the national police force, signalling a renewed push to strengthen law enforcement capacity amid ongoing security concerns. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that the recruitment process will begin immediately and be implemented on a priority basis.
Speaking on Monday following a high-level meeting with departmental heads at the Bangladesh Secretariat, the minister outlined a series of measures aimed at improving public safety, tightening firearm regulations, and enhancing institutional accountability.
A central concern raised during the briefing was the large number of unaccounted firearms still circulating across the country. According to the minister, more than 10,000 weapons remain unrecovered and are now deemed illegal. He warned that legal action could be taken against individuals found in possession of such অস্ত্র, emphasising that recovery operations would proceed through due legal processes.
The government is also set to conduct a comprehensive review of firearm licences issued in previous years. Particular scrutiny will be applied to licences granted during the tenure of the former administration, with authorities seeking to determine whether they were issued in accordance with established legal standards. Any licences found to have been granted on political or improper grounds will be revoked.
Mr Ahmed further stated that eligibility criteria for licence holders would be rigorously reassessed. Individuals deemed unfit to possess firearms will have their licences cancelled, and any weapons held under such licences will be confiscated. This move, he suggested, is essential to restoring discipline within the arms control system and reducing the risk of misuse.
The recruitment of new constables is expected to bolster field-level policing, particularly in areas such as routine patrols, crime prevention, and rapid response. Analysts suggest that increasing manpower at the grassroots level could play a critical role in addressing both urban and rural security challenges.
Below is a summary of the key measures announced:
| বিষয় (Aspect) | বিবরণ (Details) |
|---|---|
| Police Recruitment | 2,701 constables |
| Recruitment Type | Urgent, priority basis |
| Unrecovered Firearms | Over 10,000 weapons |
| Licence Review | Comprehensive re-verification |
| Grounds for Cancellation | Politically motivated or irregular licences |
| Legal Action | Possible cases over illegal weapons |
The Home Minister reiterated that aligning law enforcement with public expectations remains the government’s foremost objective. He expressed confidence that swift recruitment, stricter oversight of firearms, and administrative reforms would collectively contribute to a more stable and secure environment across the country.
Observers note that the success of these initiatives will depend not only on rapid implementation but also on transparency and sustained monitoring. Nonetheless, the announcement marks a significant step towards reinforcing public safety and institutional integrity in the policing system.