A Correspondent:
Khulna: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir has said that the police are working to establish an effective policing system to restore public trust and ensure peace and justice in society.
He made the remarks while speaking to local journalists after addressing a community policing meeting on combating drugs, terrorism, extortion, juvenile gangs and extremism in Khulna and its surrounding areas at the Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Lines yesterday.
The meeting was chaired by KMP Commissioner Md. Sajjadur Rahman.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Khulna Range Md. Rezaul Karim and Police Training Centre, Khulna Commandant (DIG) A.K.M. Mosharraf Hossain Miazi attended the programme as special guests.
Local dignitaries and representatives of civil society were also present.
The IGP said the police aim to bridge the gap that had developed between the police and the public over the past 17 years.
“After August 5, the police have regained their footing with renewed determination and are continuing their work. We want to become a humane and people-friendly police force by building a relationship of trust with the public,” he said.
He noted that the government had declared a “zero tolerance” policy against drugs and extortion, with the aim of eliminating drugs, extortion and juvenile gangs from society.
Expressing optimism about the campaign, the police chief said these crimes could be eradicated through collective and coordinated efforts.
He said joint operations were currently underway against juvenile gangs, extortionists, drug dealers and terrorists.
The government had also placed emphasis on making these operations more dynamic and effective.
To this end, the relevant government ministry has approved a framework for conducting community policing activities within a formal structure, he added.
The IGP acknowledged that some community police members had previously faced allegations of harassing innocent people, intimidating them and extorting money.
“To prevent such incidents from happening again, community policing activities will be conducted within a legal framework,” he said.
Describing journalists as the mirror of society, the police chief urged them to extend their cooperation to community policing initiatives.
“With the united efforts of all of us, we will be able to build a peaceful and secure society,” he said.
Later, the IGP visited the office of the DIG of Khulna Range, where he held an exchange of views with senior police officers serving in various units in Khulna and provided them with important operational guidance.
