Police Service Association Protests Jamaat Leader’s Remarks

The Police Service Association has strongly protested the controversial remarks made by Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shahjahan Chowdhury.

In a statement issued on Monday night, 24 November, the Association said that the comments came to their attention after they spread on social media. The statement described the remarks as ambitious and demeaning to the police.

Shahjahan Chowdhury, a member of Jamaat-e-Islami’s central working committee and a former Member of Parliament, made the comments regarding the administration during a rally in Chattogram last Saturday. He said that the administration in each constituency must be brought under their control and must act according to their instructions—whether it involves detaining someone, filing cases or other actions. He also claimed that the Officer-in-Charge of a police station would check his schedule in the morning and provide protocol accordingly. His statements have sparked widespread criticism and debate on social media.

In its protest note, the Police Service Association stated that the Bangladesh Police operates in accordance with the Constitution and the law. Over the past 17 years, attempts were made to exert political influence over the institution by using a few ambitious police officials, which created distance between the police and the public. However, following the mass uprising of students and civilians on 5 August, the police have been performing their duties more neutrally and professionally.

The Association further said that ahead of the upcoming Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 2026, the police are carrying out their responsibilities without siding with any political party or ideology. The era of fulfilling political ambitions is over—now the police prioritise law, regulations and public welfare, and believe in accountability to the people.

Khaborwala/TSN