No Controversial Officers in Key Election Roles

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam announced a firm policy that no police officer with a controversial background will be assigned to leadership roles in the upcoming national election, as the interim government prioritizes a free, impartial, and credible poll.

Speaking at a press briefing in Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) lines after an internal training programme, the IGP stated that the process of identifying these officers is currently underway, with Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) tasked with preparing the list.

The IGP directly addressed the controversies surrounding the last three national elections (2014, 2018, and 2024), acknowledging that some police members "deviated from their duties or were compelled to make mistakes." He emphasized that the current extensive training is focused on correcting these past errors and motivating personnel to ensure a successful election, free from "bad practices, malpractices and biases." On the issue of countering terrorism, the IGP affirmed that the police do not intend to suppress it through crossfire. Instead, their strategy is to maintain the rule of law by ensuring criminals are brought before the court.

He admitted that law enforcement faces vulnerabilities regarding cyber threats in the upcoming election. The IGP highlighted the challenge of people making content viral on social media using AI in the name of freedom of expression. He noted the limitations of the police, stating that while they inform BTRC and Meta, only about 40 per cent of such content is removed.

The IGP's remarks were made during his visit to Khulna, where he attended a training programme aimed at preparing police personnel to conduct the next election in a fair and peaceful manner.