Staff Correspondent

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday directed the police to strengthen their efforts to maintain law and order so that every citizen of the country, including the minorities, feel safe.

Highlighting the situation on the ground, Dr Yunus warned that defeated forces may “intensify” efforts to provoke unrest as the election approaches, and asked the police to stay vigilant and prevent such activities from causing disruptions.

Speaking at a special meeting with senior police officers on law and order issues, the Chief Adviser also alerted the police about any propaganda so that the efforts to build a new Bangladesh remain unhindered.

Stressing the importance of police, he said they cannot build a new Bangladesh ignoring police as they are the frontliners.

Dr Yunus listened to field level police officials and gave necessary directives regarding the law and order and emphasised that the incumbent has limited time before the upcoming election.

He said police are the most important unit in Bangladesh and any government initiative ultimately depends on them to create the necessary environment for implementation. “Whatever the government wants to do, it needs to be done through the police (to maintain law and order).”

Dr Yunus said without ensuring law and order, governance, democracy, human rights and citizens' rights cannot be upheld.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by law enforcement in the current political landscape, Yunus assured they will work to address these issues. “I will try.”

Referring to the July uprising, he said it has given them a great opportunity and that opportunity must not be wasted.

Dr Yunus those who come to power in the future must also continue on this path and stressed that the police could play a crucial role in shaping this transformation.

He said Bangladesh's reforms have gained strong international support. "The world has backed us not just cautiously, but enthusiastically. They see potential in our progress and trust us to succeed."

During difficult times, Dr Yunus said, the police had to follow government orders and in this new Bangladesh they must prove their commitment to law and order.

Dr Yunus said the perception has been that the police focus on wrongdoing first. “But we must start by recognising the good and acting on it. A few corrupt individuals do not define an entire force. The institution has great strength, and it must harness that for positive change."

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Home Secretary Nasimul Gani and Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, among others, and two field-level police officers also spoke at the meeting.