RANGPUR, April 13, 2023 (BSS) - Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Bangladesh Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun today said the police force is ready to take any challenge in the upcoming national elections.

"Bangladesh Police have vast experience, trained manpower and necessary equipment. In the light of the experience of all types of elections, we will fulfill the responsibility given to us by the Election Commission in the next parliamentary elections," he said.

The IGP said this while talking to reporters after inaugurating the Multipurpose Shed of the District Police on Rangpur Police Lines premises in the city.
 
The IGP said, "There will be 'Mongal Shobhayatra' despite a 'flying' letter. There is nothing to panic. There is no threat. I do not see it as a serious matter. However, we have intensified intelligence surveillance."
 
"We hope that people will spontaneously participate in the 'Mongal Shobhayatra' and other events like in the past in a festive atmosphere on Pahela Boishakh," he said.

The police chief said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has adopted a zero tolerance policy against militancy, terrorism and drugs. The police and all other forces have been fulfilling the responsibility in that light to eliminate drugs.
 
"We want a drug-free society. In this case, the parents of every family should be aware. Where boys and girls are going, when they return home and with whom they mingle. All these things need to be seen," he mentioned.

He said, once upon a time, a reign of terror was formed in different areas of the country. People from the South Western region had left the area. People everywhere are now safe due to the improvement of the law and order situation.

The IGP said the country has achieved enviable success in combating militancy.
 
"We took action before militancy took hold in the country. So militancy is under control. Still, we are not complacent and always alert. It is being investigated whether anyone is involved in any other far-reaching destructive activities," he said.

Regarding fire incidents in various parts of the country including Bangabazar, the IGP said, "We are still not sure whether those were caused by militants or other reasons. Matters are critically examined."

Rangpur Range Deputy Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Mohd Abdul Alim Mahmud, Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nure Alam Mina, Superintendent of Police of Rangpur Md Ferdous Ali Chowdhury and senior police officials were present at the time.

After reaching Rangpur, he inaugurated the Police Officers Mess, Academic Building of the Police Training Centre (PTC), Rangpur and the Multipurpose Shed of the District Police.
 
He planted saplings and released fries on the occasions.
 
Later, the IGP attended a special welfare meeting with the police forces of all units working in Rangpur and an exchange meeting with the officers of all units working in Rangpur separately at District Police Lines in the afternoon.