The police department has launched the Women Police Award for the first time in the country to recognise exemplary achievement of female police officers.
Mr. A K M Shahidul Haque, BPM, PPM,
Inspector General of Police, introduced the award, and this year the accolade
has been given to 33 policewomen in six categories. The prize includes a crest,
a certificate and a cash reward of Tk 10,000.
The six categories are Bangladesh
Police Women Leadership Award, Excellence in Action, Medal of Courage,
Community Service, Peace-keeping Mission Special Honour Award and Entrepreneur
Women Organiser of the Year Award.
Mili Biswas, Deputy Inspector General
of Police, Police Headquarters and President of Bangladesh Police Women Network,
made the announcement of the award at a press conference before this award.
The awards presented at a programme at Bashundhara Convention
Centre on March 31. House Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury attended the event
as the chief guest, while the home minister and the state minister for women
and children affairs were the special guests.
There are a total of 8,824 female police officers in the
country.The recruitment of female officers in the police department began in
1974.At present, female officers hold various positions in the force, from
additional inspector general to constable. Female officers now play a key role
in the force. Elija Sarmin led a parade of officers at Sardah Police Academy
while Shamsunnahar, superintendent of police of Chandpur, led the guard of
honour parade during this year’s Police Week.
Female police officers from the country also join United
Nations missions. The first group of female officers were sent to East Timor in
2000, while a full contingent was sent in 2010.
