DHAKA : Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said police force will get back their blue coloured top and khaki trouser as their uniform.
Salahuddin Ahmed said this at press briefing at his office here today.
The press briefing was held after the first meeting of the national committee to coordinate and manage overall activities, including controlling law and order, of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals at the conference room of the ministry here today.
The minister said the meeting focused on maintaining law and order in and around the refugee camps, as well as improving camp management.
Discussions also included the activities, leadership, and discipline of joint forces operating in the camps, he said.
However, he clarified that no discussion has been held relating to issuing passports to Rohingyas now residing in Saudi Arabia.
Acknowledging public concern over the law and order situation in the Rohingya camps the minister said the government is actively working to bring the situation under control.
About the allegation that some high-profile criminals released on bail are engaged in criminal activities, the minister said the claim is being investigated. Legal action will be taken based on evidence in cases of murder or any other crimes.
The home minister said a nationwide special anti-drug operation is underway from May 1 with an objective to arrest major drug traders, traffickers and suppliers to dismantle the network rather than focusing primarily on users.
On the police uniform, he said, the government has taken decision to reconsider changing the uniform of police as dissatisfaction remains within the force over the current attire.
“We are going to keep the cop top (shirt) as it was as before for the metro and other areas of the country. However, the trousers will be in khaki,” he said.
“After discussions with police force we have approved it as acceptable uniform for them,” he said adding that it will take some time to prepare the dress.
“Although not yet officially announced, the implementation process is underway and expected to take effect soon,” he added.
Commenting on an incident in Cumilla, where BNP activists laid seizure on a police station to release on their leaders, the minister said it as a ‘political matter’ and law enforcement agencies are working to control the situation.
Regarding transfer, promotion, and retirement within the police administration, the minister stated that these are routine administrative process.
“Mandatory retirement follow established rules, and any allegation is reviewed through departmental procedures,” he said.
The minister discarded the criticism of the opposition on outcome in the first session of 13th Jatiya Sangsad saying it was one of the most successful and vibrant parliament session in the country’s history.
“After 17 years, a democratically elected parliament has passed a higher number of laws, and discussions between the government and opposition were held in a cordial atmosphere.”
“It is a natural part of democracy,” he said.
The home minister said although there are some challenges compared to the past, the present government is working step by step to improve the situation. Stability will be restored soon, he hoped.
