Dr Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the interim government, has stated that the country is currently facing a war-like situation. In this critical time, he urged the police to remain vigilant in order to confront and resist destructive forces.
"We are in a state of war," he said. "Dark forces are doing everything they can to destroy our unity and our dreams. The police must be alert and ready to push back."
He made these remarks on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of Police Week, held at Rajarbagh Police Lines in Dhaka.
Dr Yunus criticised the past misuse of the police force, saying, "For the last 15 years, the police were turned into a political tool. Following unlawful orders led to public resentment, and even honest officers had to suffer the consequences."
He added that after the fall of the autocratic regime, the police force was left broken. However, the interim government has taken steps to rebuild morale and create an environment where police can do their work with dignity and integrity.
"Bangladesh is rising proudly on the global stage, and the police are a vital force in achieving this vision," he said. "One of our biggest challenges now is to rebuild public trust in the police, which was damaged under authoritarian rule. We are committed to bridging the gap between the police and the people so that the police are seen as friends, not foes."
Looking ahead to national elections expected between December this year and June next year, Dr Yunus stressed the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring fair and safe voting. "The police must create an environment where every voter feels secure and where all candidates are treated equally."
He also warned that the pre-election period would be especially sensitive. "The police must remain alert to ensure that no defeated forces can destabilise the country," he said.
Dr Yunus called for greater sensitivity from police in handling cases of violence against women. "We've made great strides in national security, but true progress means ensuring the safety of women and children. That will take us even further as a nation."
He concluded with a call to action: "We dream of building a just, inclusive, and discrimination-free country. We are working toward a 'second Bangladesh.' The July uprising gave us a rare opportunity to do this—we must not waste it. If we fail now, we'll be forever accountable to the next generation."
