River Police to be modernized: Kamal

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal yesterday said the River Police would be modernized to form a strong unit of the law enforcement agencies.

"Necessary manpower, equipment and infrastructure would be provided (for its modernization) to ensure security of the river routes of the country," he said while addressing the fourth raising day of the River Police as chief guest at Police Staff College Convention Centre.

Chaired by the Chief of River Police, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sheikh Muhammad Maruf Hassan, the programme was addressed, among others, by Secretary to the Public Security Division of the Home Ministry Mostafa Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Haque, renowned freedom fighter Mahbub Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram and columnist Syed Abul Maksud.

Among others, Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Abul Kalam Azad, Director General (DG) of National Security Intelligence (NSI) Major General Md Shamsul Haque, and DG RAB Forces Benjir Ahmed, were present on the occasion.

The Home Minister said law and order situation along the river routes has improved significantly after inception of the River Police unit and they have contributed immensely to increase the overall Hilsha production.

He urged all the members of the River Police to work with honesty, sincerity and courage to ensure safety and security along the river routes.

Mostafa Kamal Uddin secretary of the public security division of the home ministry said the country's economy has improved significantly due to urbanization along the river routes. A vast portion of the total population of the country frequently use river routes and this new unit of police can help ensure safety and security of the passengers, he added.

IGP AKM Shahidul Haque asked the River Police to develop its intelligence wing for better performance and work closely with the stakeholders of these routes.

Source: bss