I have taken charge at a critical time

"It is a crucial time as the political parties will try to take control of the streets ahead of the general elections," he said while briefing journalists at the Police Headquarters soon after assuming his charge as the IGP.

"It is a challenge for us to maintain stability in this time," Iqbal, who was the founder Director General of Rapid Action Battalion and also served as the Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner during the tenure of the last caretaker government.

He also served the UN mission.

The police force will be kept free from politicisation and accountability of the policemen ensured, he said, adding that ongoing drive against criminals will be strengthened.

Appreciating both the Rab and the police for their success in combating militancy, extremism and crimes, the new IGP said the country's anti-crime forces are more efficient than their counterparts in many other countries.

Iqbal said 30,000 more police forces will be appointed in next five years and more police stations set up.

Immediate past IGP Abdul Quaiyum, who was present at the press briefing, said during his tenure the police had been made more dynamic and various steps taken for its modernisation.

Senior police officials were present at the briefing.

Six IGPs during alliance rule
With Anwarul Iqbal taking over the charge of IGP, six persons were posted in the top position of the police during the BNP-led alliance government's rule.

Three of them were appointed IGP during their contractual service, two being inducted in the police from other departments.

The contractual appointment had caused disappointment among the top police officials.