Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Rtd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has instructed Superintendents of Police (SPs) to take stringent measures to eliminate corruption and extortion.
"Corruption and extortion are the root causes of discord. Curbing these practices would significantly reduce injustice and irregularities in society," the adviser said during a briefing held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, addressing 26 newly appointed SPs on Thursday (5 September).
He explained that eliminating corruption and extortion would curb the influence of middlemen, ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their produce, leading to a decrease in the cost of essential goods and improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
He further urged the police to step away from the practices of bribery and extortion and work for the welfare of the public, calling for self-reform within the force.
The adviser also highlighted another form of police corruption: the illicit trade of appointments and transfers, which he insisted must be stopped immediately.
He warned that any police officer found involved in such activities would face severe consequences.
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stressed that criminals, regardless of their identity, must be treated as offenders, and legal action must be taken against them.
He acknowledged the public resentment towards the police due to past misconduct and corruption, asserting that it is now the police's responsibility to restore public trust. In conclusion, he urged the SPs to serve with a mindset of public service, despite the existing limitations in manpower and logistics.
