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By BM Noor Alam

DHAKA, June 13, 2026 (BSS) - The government is working to make the police a modern, time-oriented and people-friendly force by strengthening technology-driven policing and enhancing its capacity to combat cybercrime.

Efforts are also underway to equip the police with modern investigative tools, improve training standards, expand digital services for public safety and strengthen specialized units to make the force more effective to face contemporary challenges.

Talking to BSS, AHM Shahadat Hossain, assistant inspector general (AIG Media and Public Relations) at Police Headquarters, said that the government has been implementing a series of initiatives to build a modern, efficient and citizen-friendly police force.

He said measures have been taken to integrate information technology into policing, expand the use of specialized investigation methods and introduce institutional reforms. 

Initiatives are also being taken to enable citizens to access services such as General Diary (GD) filing, police clearance certificates and case-related information online from their homes through incident-tracking software, a police command centre and a four-digit hotline service.

Shahadat Hossain said patrol and intelligence activities have been intensified to further improve law and order. Police are conducting multiple operations against the criminals and playing a significant role in preventing crime through technology-based surveillance.

He noted that the country's law and order situation has improved considerably compared to the past, although further progress is needed. The police are actively working to maintain public order and ensure the safety of lives and property through effective crime prevention and investigation.

According to sources, several specialized units have been established to create a modern and people-friendly police force, including cybercrime units, the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) and DNA laboratories. The International Police Research and Innovation Center (IPRIC) has also been established in Mirpur.

To address evolving security challenges, modern units such as the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU), Industrial Police, Tourist Police and the Cyber Security and Crime Division have been formed. Police personnel are receiving advanced training both at home and abroad to enhance the investigative capabilities. Modern equipments, including armored vehicles, water cannons and advanced communication systems, have also been added to the force.

Sources said the present government has undertaken multifaceted initiatives to modernize the police force through the incorporation of advanced technologies. IPRIC is expected to serve as a center for research and development, promoting continuous learning and adaptation within Bangladesh Police.

Authorities have also taken steps to improve police services by providing modern training and equipment. These efforts have contributed to qualitative change within the force and helped strengthen public trust and confidence. Police are working to establish themselves as a true service-oriented institution for the people.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Manjur Morshed Chowdhury, told BSS that the government has taken various initiatives to modernize the police force, including expanding technology-based policing and enhancing cybercrime-fighting capabilities.

"The government is also working to improve the efficiency and professional capacity of the police. This is an ongoing process," he said.

According to sources, the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, extremism, narcotics and corruption and efforts to implement this policy are continuing.

The national emergency service hotline '999' has already gained widespread confidence and popularity. Through the service, citizens can easily access police, fire service and ambulance assistance.

Police sources also said that efforts are being made to improve the welfare and living standards of police personnel. Officers often face significant risks and are sometimes injured while performing their duties. Authorities are, therefore, placing greater emphasis on ensuring their safety and providing immediate support whenever necessary.

Mia Lutfor Rahman Chowdhury, a retired Superintendent of Police and Secretary General of the Bangladesh Retired Police Officers Welfare Association, said the police force should be further modernized and made more people-friendly.

He stressed the need for proper training to ensure quality public service and courteous behavior toward the citizens.

He added that police personnel require mental well-being to perform their responsibilities effectively. To achieve this, adequate security measures, housing facilities and necessary equipment should be provided.