Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said the new Bangladesh achieved through sacrifices would ensure a police force free from political interference.

"We are going through a historic transformation where the responsibilities of new officers are much greater. In the new Bangladesh achieved through the sacrifices of martyrs of July the police force will be kept completely free from political interference," he said.

The minister came up with the remarks while addressing the passing-out parade of the 43rd BCS (Police) batch at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sarada of Rajshahi.

The one-year basic training for trainee Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) concluded with the parade.

The Minister urged the newly recruited police officers to work towards building a people-friendly and reform-oriented force in line with the vision of a discrimination-free ‘new Bangladesh’.

The Minister took salute, inspected the parade, and later distributed medals among officers who excelled in different areas of the year-long basic training.

Urging the officers to serve as public servants, the Minister said efforts are underway to replace the outdated colonial-era police law with a time-befitting one.

“You must instill fear in criminals and a sense of security among innocent citizens. The government is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption,” he added.

He also stressed the need for enhanced technical knowledge to combat digital crimes.

Describing the new officers as agents of change in ensuring justice and the rule of law, he said accountability, integrity and professionalism must guide their duties.

“Everyone is equal in the eyes of law, whether a political activist or a marginal farmer. Uphold discipline, chain of command and coordinated leadership,” he added.

The minister also said the government is considering revising the current police uniform based on feedback from the force and discussions are ongoing at the highest policy level.

A total of 72 trainee officers took part in the batch that began on March 1, 2025. Probationary ASP Ahmed Sadman Sakib served as the parade commander.

Probationary ASP Md Fahim Faisal was adjudged both Best Probationer and Best in Academics.

Md Arafat Hossain received the Best in Field Activities award, Shaon Reza was named Best in Horsemanship and Bapi Kumar Das was awarded Best Shooter