Politics is a barrier to better police force: Quader

The ruling Awami League general secretary has admitted that politics is an obstacle to improving the efficiency of police force.

Addressing the Police Service Association’s annual gathering at Razarbagh Police Lines in Dhaka on Thursday, Obaidul Quader referred to the influence of politicians in the appointment of police personnel.

“Politics is a barrier to improving the quality of police. How will the quality of the force improve if [politicians] share the appointments every year?” he asked. 

He said Bangladesh Police are appointing personnel from each district on the basis of the number of MPs it boasts.

The police will improve if the politicians correct themselves, according to Quader, who is also the road transport and bridges minister.

“Why do the MPs and ministers always look for OCs and SPs of their own choice? Do they want the OCs and SPs to follow their orders?” he asked.

“This is the problem in the force despite it having many honest officers. The police would have been on the right track if the politicians corrected themselves,” Quader said. 

“…extortion by police will stop if the politicians stop extorting the people,” he added.

He also said members of the public also need to change their views about the police.

The minister urged the law enforcers to be brave and work with integrity and righteousness in the face of obstacles.   

He advised them to act firmly and impartially against anarchists ahead of the next general elections.

Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque also addressed at the programme chaired by Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia.