An indomitable woman police officer

In order to achieve success in career or any other jobs, women will have to work hard with determination, devotion and sincerity, said Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Amena Begum.

“No one gives anything to anyone. It has to be earned,” DIG Amena said in an interview with The Business Post ahead of International Women’s Day that falls on March 8.

To gain success, she said, women also have to face a lot of challenges throughout their life. Mentioning that there is no alternative to hard work, she said, “Every woman should come forward. They should not become burden on the family.”

Amena started her career as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) after passing the 18th BCS exam in 1999. She did her bachelor’s and master’s degree in English literature from Chittagong University.

Amena Begum who is now working at protocol and protection department of special branch of police said there are more than 2 lakh members of police in the country. But only 8 per cent of them are women. Among them, four women are serving

as DIGs.

Women are still lagging behind men in the education and job sectors. “In order to become a developed country, men and women must be equally skilled. If we want to develop our country and want a smart Bangladesh, it cannot be possible without women’s participation.”

“At present, women are serving as SP, circle ASP and magistrate at upazila or thana level. The people’s mindset about the woman police is changing gradually. They also want their daughters to carry out study and stand on their own feet,” said Amena Begum, also president of Bangladesh Police Women Network.

While talking about the challenges she is facing at work and how to overcome them, the DIG mentioned a road accident that left her injured seriously in 2002. After recovery, she started carrying out her duty again.

“The training we receive prompts us to face challenges. We should think that men and women do not discriminate during work. It’s a job. As a supervisor, I know how to work with whom.”

Amena also joined the UN peacekeeping mission in 2006 when she was the only woman officer in a team of 140 members. She served as deputy commandant.

“I have to face some challenges there for being a single woman. For this reason, I had to share a lot there alone. So, I used to sleep with arms at night to avoid any kind of unwanted situation. But I managed to complete my tenure successfully.”

While about her personal life, Amena said, “My father, being a government officer, wanted us to join the civil service. I chose the police service in BCS because I enjoy challenges and work distinctively. Every day is a new day in the police.”

During her 23 years of career, she served as Superintendent of Police in Rangamati and Narsingdi and Additional Commissioner of Police in Chattogram Metropolitan Police.

She also received the highest police medal ‘Bangladesh Police Medal-Seba’ in 2015 and ‘IG Good Service Medal’ in 2019 for her work efficiency.

In 2009, she was elected Asia Region Coordinator of the International Association of Women Police. She also served as the coordinator of the annual conference of international women police’s Asian Women Police Conference.