BSS

There has been a demand to increase manpower in specialized units of Bangladesh Police to address growing security challenges including industrial area security, cyber crime prevention, highway security, tourism sector security and VIP security.

According to sources at the police headquarters, specialized units such as Industrial Police, Naval Police, Tourist Police, Highway Police and Armed Police Battalion (APBN) are currently working with limited manpower. However, the responsibilities and scope of work of these units are gradually increasing.

Officials concerned say that adequate manpower, training and logistical support are very important to ensure effective policing and public safety.

Experts have emphasized on strengthening the industrial police. They say that it is necessary to increase the capacity of the industrial police in line with the country’s growing industrial sector, export-oriented garment industry and emerging economic zones.

Currently, the activities of the industrial police are being conducted on a limited scale in a few regions. Officials said that additional units and manpower are needed to ensure complete security in all industrial areas.

Similarly, there is a growing demand for increasing the capacity of the naval police to combat crime on waterways, prevent smuggling and strengthen the security of river ports.

As the tourism sector is expanding rapidly, the concerned officials have also emphasized the need to increase the number of trained manpower in the tourist police.

According to them, if the specialized units are further strengthened through skilled manpower and technology-based modern policing, public services will improve and the overall security structure of the country will be stronger.

Meanwhile, the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has sought an additional 5,000 manpower and a permanent office building to increase its efficiency and expand its activities across the country.

PBI chief and additional inspector general of Police Md. Mustafa Kamal said that the unit currently has 2,031 manpower. They are operating from rented offices in 42 districts of the country.

He said that two proposals have already been sent to the Home Ministry to increase manpower and infrastructure facilities.

Established in 2012, the PBI investigates complex crimes, cybercrime, terrorism and organized crime using trained officers and modern technology.

At a recent police event, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed also emphasized the need to strengthen the capacity of the Tourist Police.

He said it is very important to strengthen this unit to develop the tourism sector, ensure the safety of visitors and project the country’s image positively.