Bangladesh's new police chief calls for camaraderie

After taking the helm, new Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque has called for camaraderie among his colleagues to serve the people better.

After handing over charges to Shahidul Hoque at the IGP's office, Bangladesh’s longest-serving police chief Hassan Mahmood Khandker gave all credit to members of the police force for its achievements during his tenure.

After the charge was handed over at the Police Headquarters in Dhaka on Wednesday, the formal farewell was accorded to Khandker.

As per the tradition, after the parting salute police personnel pulled the car of former police chief up to the main gate of the headquarters.

The government in a major shake-up on Tuesday named Additional IGP Hoque the new police chief.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Benazir Ahmed has been made Director General of Rapid Action Battalion and he will replace Mokhlesur Rahman who is retiring.

DIG Asaduzzaman Mia has been made the new DMP Commissioner.

Khandker, in the presence of senior police officials, said, “Whatever has been achieved is all yours. Now the new leadership will carry it forward.”

The police official, who had been in the top post since Aug 31, 2010, said without the support of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the successes his force had in the past few years would not have been possible.

“Her personal sincerity has encouraged us,” he said.

The new IGP told the fellow policemen to “love the profession and work unitedly.”

Reminding them that basic responsibility of the police was to serve the people, he told officers that they could overcome all challenges if they remain united.

Khandker joined police in 1984 after passing BCS exam in 1982. In recognition of his service he was conferred Bangladesh Police Medal, President Police Medal and National Defence Course Medal.

It was during his tenure that Bangladesh Police got Independence Day Award.