Politicisation of police must be resisted
Says US envoy Mozena
Politicisation of police must be resisted for the sake of democracy, said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan W Mozena in Rajshahi yesterday. “It is very important in democracy that police not be politicised. In every country, there is always some pressure to politicise police. And I encourage the police, I encourage the government of Bangladesh or America or other countries to resist that pressure,” he said. The ambassador was talking to reporters at Police Academy, Shardah in Rajshahi after distributing certificates to 32 police officials who graduated from a community-based policing course. The course, “Ethical Leadership”, was organised by the US Agency for International Development, Bangladesh Police, The Asia Foundation, the US Department of Justice's International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program and Portland Police Bureau. He said an effective and well trained police force helps ensure the rule of law which is the central element of every successful democracy in the world. “Today's graduates are helping to build a police force appropriate for the new Bangladesh, the golden Bangladesh, the middle-income Bangladesh that I fervently believe is possible over the next decade or two,” he added. The ambassador said community policing can change the face of security in Bangladesh and it would make Bangladesh more secure than ever. He said police in Bangladesh are trying to be better at their jobs and the Bangladesh government is working with other countries to prevent terrorism. In April, 32 graduates will be selected based on their knowledge of and commitment to community policing principals and field operations to continue the course after the programme is finished. Inspector General of Police Hassan Mahmood Khandakar attended the programme as the chief guest with the academy Principal Naim Ahmed in the chair. Mozena visited Boalia Police Station in the city and Charghat Police Station at the district. Deputy Inspector General of Police Siddiqur Rahman; The Asia Foundation Project Director Shanna O'Reilly and its Country Representative Hasan Mazumdar; and Bret Barnum from Portland Police Bureau were also present.
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