Staff Correspondent:

Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday urged police officers to remain neutral and avoid siding with political parties, warning them not to waste their “oil” on partisan interests.

“I told you many times to stay away from political parties. If you start oiling now, your oil will run out once the election is over. Those who have preserved their oil will then overpower you,” he said metaphorically.

“Do not side with any political party. Rather, work to fulfil the expectations of the people,” the adviser said at a training session organised for police personnel over the next general election at the Rajarbagh Police Auditorium in Dhaka on Sunday morning.

“Shake off the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections from your mind,” the adviser asked the police officer.

He cautioned officers not to act like political workers or provide undue advantage to any group.

“With patience and a cool head, you must face all evil forces through legal means,” he added.

The adviser announced that nearly 1.5 lakh police members will undergo training under the programme to enhance their skills, morale, knowledge, and sense of responsibility.

“This training will create a multiplier effect, preparing police across the country to perform their duties with the same standards of discipline, neutrality, and professionalism essential for a credible election,” he added.

Expressing confidence in the force, the adviser said, “I firmly believe this training programme will make our police more capable, confident, and professional. We want the next national election to be the most participatory, acceptable, peaceful, and festive in the history of Bangladesh.”

“A key factor in that success will be the efficiency, neutrality, and professionalism of Bangladesh Police,” he added.

He also praised the force for recently conducting a fair recruitment process.

“I can proudly say neither I, nor any adviser, nor the ministry recommended a single candidate. You proved that police can ensure a transparent and credible recruitment,” he said.

The adviser also called for intensifying drives to recover firearms looted from police stations and outposts, and urged action against criminals who continue committing offences while out on bail.

He said police already have a list of “fascists” involved in creating unrest in society and the state.

He further instructed the force to curb drugs, gambling, and extortion.

Referring to the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, he warned that attempts are being made to incite unrest.

“Last year, Durga Puja was celebrated very peacefully with your [police] cooperation, and I thank you for that. But this year, you must remain on the highest alert,” he said.