Highlights:
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Slogan: “জনগণের নিরাপত্তায় আমরা আছি” (We Are for Public Safety)
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Event: Day-long police awareness drill in Alfadanga, Faridpur
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Issue: Police officers conducted motorbike patrols without helmets
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Reaction: Citizens and civil society expressed disappointment and criticism
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Police Response: SI admitted the mistake, promised to wear helmets in future
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Ongoing Action: Alfadanga OC assured steps to prevent recurrence
In Faridpur’s Alfadanga upazila, a day-long police drill organized under the slogan “জনগণের নিরাপত্তায় আমরা আছি” (We Are for Public Safety) has unexpectedly stirred controversy. The initiative aimed to raise public awareness and ensure safety, but the absence of helmets on police riders sparked criticism from locals and civic groups.
The drill, held on Tuesday (October 28), was led by Sub-Inspector (SI) Liakat Hossain with a team of 15–20 police officers. They patrolled various parts of the upazila, including Alfadanga Bazar, key intersections, and rural areas, reminding citizens to stay alert and cooperate in maintaining law and order.
However, what caught everyone’s attention was not their message, but their helmetless ride. Citizens were quick to point out the irony officers responsible for enforcing the law were themselves violating road safety rules.
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When questioned, SI Liakat Hossain admitted that they should have worn helmets but explained their reasoning:
“হেলমেট পরলে আমরা যেভাবে মুভ করছি সেটা বোঝা যেত না। গাড়ি আর পোশাক দেখেই মানুষ পুলিশ চিনতে পারে,”
Translate: he said, adding that they considered themselves safe as experienced drivers were leading the patrol.
Still, his comment fueled more debate. Critics found the justification weak and reflective of double standards. “Safety isn’t about appearance; it’s about responsibility,” said one resident on social media.
SI Liakat further remarked,
“সব ভুল ধরলে তো কাজ করা যাবে না। পরবর্তী সময়ে আমরা হেলমেট পরে নেবো।”
Translate: He promised better compliance in future patrols.
When contacted, Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Shahjalal Alam stated he was unaware of the incident as he was not present at the time. Nonetheless, he assured that the matter would be looked into and necessary steps would be taken to avoid repetition.
Reacting strongly, Prabir Kanti Bala Panna, General Secretary of the Faridpur Citizens’ Committee, condemned the incident:
“মোটরসাইকেল চালানোর সময় হেলমেট না পরা অপরাধ। হেলমেটবিহীন মোটরসাইকেল চালালে তিন হাজার টাকা পর্যন্ত জরিমানা করা হয়। আইনের রক্ষক যদি আইন ভঙ্গ করে, এটি শুধু আইন ভঙ্গ না, আইনের প্রতি বৃদ্ধাঙ্গুলি প্রদর্শনও বটে।”
Translate: He emphasized that such negligence erodes public trust in law enforcement and sets a poor example for citizens.
“নিজের ব্যবসার জন্য এখন নিজের ওয়েবসাইট — মাত্র কয়েক মিনিটে Storola দিয়ে!”
The Alfadanga drill was meant to highlight police commitment to public safety but it ended up exposing a gap between message and practice. While the intention of the campaign was positive, the oversight served as a reminder that accountability begins at the top.
Safety laws apply to everyone, including those who enforce them. Wearing a helmet is not just a rule; it symbolizes respect for life and responsibility. As citizens expect better discipline from their protectors, this incident should encourage stronger adherence to road safety norms both for the public and for the police themselves.
Source: Dhaka Post
