The interim government’s home affairs Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain urged police officers to return to their stations, assuring them that their demands would be met.

The call was made in front of the media on Sunday after the home affairs adviser visited the injured policemen undergoing treatment at the Central Police Hospital in Dhaka.

Home Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain said: "I am committed to listening to their concerns fully. They have not made any demands beyond our capabilities. Although they have requested that the tasks be completed within seven days, this timeframe is not feasible due to financial constraints. I assure the police officers that their requests are reasonable, and we will make every effort to address them."

He assured the officers that some issues would be resolved immediately, while others might take a little longer.

The home adviser urged the officers to trust his promise and return to their stations, adding: "I will talk to your representatives when they come to the Secretariat."

Brig Gen Sakhawat expressed profound concern over the recent violence targeting police officers, adding: "The attacks on our officers are deeply troubling. It is unacceptable to shoot one, flay another, or bash someone in the head. Such brutality is inhumane — no one should be subjected to this, not even in the context of war, where we do not mistreat fallen soldiers."

He further lamented the loss of lives due to police firing, adding: "It is very sad. It is also sad that thousands of youths have been killed by police firing by others. There is no doubt about it."

He emphasized the essential role of the police in society, mentioning: "Our society cannot function without the police. I receive daily reports of looting and other crimes, and there is little I can do beyond listening. While the army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed, it is not their role to handle these issues; they are not equipped to perform the police's duties."

"Despite their efforts, they too are facing attacks, as seen in Gopalganj yesterday (Saturday). If the people of Gopalganj now claim that the army is responsible for these incidents, such accusations are unjustified," he added.

The adviser reflected on the broader context of the situation, adding: "To sum up all the incidents occurring in our country, I have consistently said for the past 15 years, including during my tenure as an election commissioner, that a state does not function this way. This is not how state politics should operate; a state cannot be managed according to individual whims."

Adviser Sakhawat: No more political use of police
Home Adviser Brigadier (retd) AKM Sakhawat Hossain has said that Bangladesh Police can no longer be used for political purposes.

Police will run according to the rules of the Police Commission from now on, he said.

He made the remark on Sunday while visiting injured police personnel undergoing treatment at Central Police Hospital in Dhaka.

“Police can no longer be used for political purposes. Police will operate according to the Police Commission. You give orders to the Police Commission, they (police) will abide by if the orders are good,” he said.

The home adviser also said those who used and exploited the police force must face punishment.