Police yet to be modernised despite changing crime patterns: Home minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the police force has not been modernised despite changes in the nature of crime.

He made the remarks at a programme marking the 43rd founding anniversary of the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) in Dhaka on Wednesday.

“Crime patterns have changed, and crime prevention has also had to adopt digital technology. However, it has still not been possible to modernise the police,” the home minister said.

He said modern cyber security labs would be established at the thana and upazila level.

Addressing crime reporters, Salahuddin Ahmed said their profession inherently involved risks.

“Steps can be taken to provide risk allowances to those who report on crime despite such risks,” he said.

Stressing the need to amend existing laws, he said criminals were often released on bail after being arrested under the current legal framework.

“Gambling and drugs are behind almost every crime involving young people,” he said.

The minister said research was needed to identify the causes of crime before taking measures to eliminate them and reduce crime.

“Work is under way to this end,” he added.