No more fascism can use the police against the people: Prime Minister

Recalling the brutal massacre at Rajarbagh during the War of Independence, the Prime Minister said, this is the historic Rajarbagh Police Line, where the invading forces killed hundreds of policemen on the night of March 25, 1971, in the name of 'Operation Searchlight', in a barbaric attack on sleeping police members. At today's event, I would like to first remember all the policemen who died in the Liberation War of Bangladesh with respect.

She said, your and our responsibilities do not end with remembrance alone, it is our sacred duty to protect the freedom of the martyred police brothers who sacrificed their lives for the country's independence at any cost. Let no more fascism-autocracy in Bangladesh be able to use policemen against the freedom of the country and the people, let us stand on this ground stained with the blood of the police in the first hour of independence and pledge ourselves to a new oath today.

The Prime Minister said, on the one hand, Major Zia's 'We Revolt' in Chittagong for the independence of Bangladesh, and on the other hand, the police's deadly resistance at Rajarbagh in Dhaka; after that, there was no chance for the freedom-loving people of the country to lag behind in the fight for independence.

However, those of us from the generation during the Liberation War to the generation after the Liberation War, who have learned about the Liberation War by reading history or hearing the direct experiences of the brave freedom fighters, still have some questions in their minds about the history of the Liberation War.

In the turbulent March of 1971, when the minds of the freedom-loving people were tense, when thousands of soldiers were being gathered in Dhaka every day from the then West Pakistan, what was the logic or strategy of the then political leadership behind gathering all the police members at the Rajarbagh Police Lines, in such a situation, I think it can still be a subject of research for those who are still researching the country's independence and the Liberation War.

Regarding the enjoyment of the parade at the opening ceremony of the Police Week, he said, "I have enjoyed your colorful parade so far in a joyful manner." To me, this did not seem like just a formality, but rather it was an expression of the discipline, self-respect, sense of responsibility and steadfast commitment of the police members to move forward with firm steps towards a better future.

The Prime Minister said that after a bloody mass uprising of the students and the public in 2024, in the continuation of the anti-fascist movement and struggle for more than a decade and a half, the current government formed by the people's verdict is a reflection of the aspirations of the freedom-loving and democratic people of the country.

The oppressed and oppressed people, who have been victims of numerous attacks and cases for years, want peace and security during the current democratic government. Ensuring the peace and security of the people of the country depends most on the role of the police. You will try your best to ensure the security of people's lives and property, this is the government's expectation from you.

Tarique Rahman said that the 13th National Parliament election has proven that it is possible for the Bangladesh Police to perform their duties with skill and professionalism. Not only in the country, but also in the UN peacekeeping operations, Bangladesh Police is working with efficiency and reputation.

Police members have set shining examples of professionalism, courage and humanity in establishing peace, maintaining law and order and protecting human rights in different countries of the world. The role of women police members in the UN peacekeeping missions has also been internationally praised. Therefore, humane behavior of the police is expected not only abroad but also with the people of the country. At this time, the Prime Minister wished for the overall success of Bangladesh Police Week 2026.