The longstanding practice of police personnel lobbying for transfers and promotions at the Police House, the official residence of the Inspector General of Police, has been officially banned under the current administration.
Effective immediately, police members must obtain prior permission to visit the IGP's residence, according to a directive issued shortly after the new IGP, Baharul Alam, assumed office.
The directive, issued on Saturday (November 23) and signed by Additional DIG Mia Masud Karim, mandates that no police personnel may visit the IGP's residence without prior authorisation.
According to sources within the Police Headquarters, this decision aims to uphold the integrity of the police force by curbing inappropriate lobbying practices that had previously tarnished its image.
The directive reads, “Prior permission is required to visit the residence of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). All members of Bangladesh Police are requested to adhere to this instruction seriously."
Copies of the order have been distributed to senior police officials, including the Director General of RAB, heads of various police units such as CID, Highway Police, and Tourist Police, and all range DIGs, metropolitan commissioners, and district superintendents of police.
Honest and merit-oriented police officers have welcomed the directive, calling it a step toward ensuring promotions and transfers are based on merit rather than personal lobbying.
Baharul Alam, the newly appointed IGP, took office following a notification from the Ministry of Public Administration on November 20. With a long and diverse career in law enforcement, Baharul has served in various capacities, including as a liaison officer at the UN Peacekeeping Department and as a senior advisor to the UN peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan.
Known for his professionalism, Baharul denied promotion twice and retired in 2020. He hails from Tarail Upazila in Kishoreganj. His reappointment as IGP marks a return to service with a focus on restoring discipline and fairness within the force.