Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed called on the police force to demonstrate significant and visible improvements by December 31, 2026, emphasizing the need to rebuild public trust in law enforcement. Speaking at the Police Medal 2026 ceremony held at the Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh, he underscored the police’s central role in maintaining internal order and societal stability.

During the event, 98 officers were honored with the Bangladesh Police Medal and President Police Medal in recognition of bravery and distinguished service. Addressing the assembled officers, Salahuddin stressed that change must come from within the police itself to positively influence broader society. He urged all ranks—from frontline personnel to the inspector general—to align their conduct with citizens' expectations.

“People no longer want to see the police behaving like kings and monarchs. They want a people-friendly police force,” Salahuddin said, highlighting growing public demands for accountability and respectful policing. He cautioned that officers who fail to meet these standards would face consequences, reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to a strict policy of rewards and punishments.

Salahuddin also advised senior police officials to avoid actions that could be perceived as undemocratic or inappropriate, stressing their responsibility to foster a culture free from such behaviors within their units. He warned against tolerating or encouraging misconduct among subordinates, calling for ethical leadership at all levels.

Additionally, the Home Minister reaffirmed the government’s stance on ensuring justice against those aligned with what he termed "accomplices of fascism and the Awami forces," indicating that officers who succeed in these efforts would be rewarded.

The ceremony and ministerial remarks come amid broader efforts to reform the police and enhance its image in the eyes of the public, aiming to strengthen accountability and responsiveness within the force.