Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir also announced plans to purchase 5,800 vehicles and recruit at least 15,000 new personnel annually.
TBS Report
25 October, 2026, 03:20 pm
Last modified: 25 October, 2026, 03:21 pm
Twenty-seven police officers and members have been sent to jail over alleged links to drugs in the past two months, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir has said.
Speaking at a community policing meeting and press briefing at Bagerhat District Police Lines auditorium this morning (25 October), he also announced plans to purchase 5,800 vehicles to address transport shortages and recruit at least 15,000 new personnel annually to tackle manpower shortages.
"I have sent 27 police officers and members to jail over drugs in the past two months. What more do you want? First, clean up your own house, then you can clean up others," he said.
The IGP said the police force has been weakened and action is being taken against those responsible.
He stressed internal discipline and said officers should not fear losing their jobs for performing their duties properly.
The police chief said the force faces a shortage of around 2,500 vehicles, while many existing vehicles are eight to 20 years old.
A project to purchase around 5,800 vehicles was approved last week, he added.
At least 15,000 new personnel will be recruited annually to gradually address manpower shortages and strengthen logistical support, he added.
Calling for collective efforts to tackle drugs, juvenile gangs, corruption and other crimes, the IGP said maintaining law and order is essential for economic development.
He noted that 2.5 million to three million educated unemployed people join the ranks of the unemployed each year, stressing the need to address unemployment, rehabilitate young people and enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs.
He said community policing will be strengthened to prevent crime, resolve social problems and improve people's quality of life.
Committees involving upazila nirbahi officers and officers-in-charge have been formed to tackle juvenile gangs, with plans to extend the initiative to union level, Ali mentioned.
The IGP urged residents to share information about drug users and criminal activities with police, noting that locals often know more about such incidents than law enforcement agencies.
He also warned against social media rumours and misinformation, alleging attempts to destabilise the country.
He said there can be no compromise on Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty.