Controversy over uniforms: Police force returns to previous uniforms

After the 24th mass uprising, protesters and various groups demanded a change in police uniforms. The uniforms of this force were changed during the interim government. There was criticism about the color of the uniforms from the beginning.
Although they did not like it, they accepted the government’s decision and wore new uniforms. Within a few days, police members questioned the quality of the uniforms. There are some complaints from users, including low sweat absorption capacity and being unsuitable for the weather.
Bangladesh Police Service Association General Secretary Md. Anisuzzaman said, the uniforms are not suitable for our force. Because, it matches the uniforms of different institutions and organizations. That is why we opposed this change.
Noman Group is a company that supplies police uniforms. To verify the complaints related to uniforms, the Police Headquarters sent the Noman Group’s uniforms for lab tests. The report showed that the moisture content of the fabric and the yarn density were not found as per the contract. The Police Headquarters said that action will be taken according to the law after receiving the investigation report. The police officer also said that there will be no need for additional allocation of money for changing the uniform.
AIG Shahadat Hossain told the media that if the uniform is changed, only the color will change. However, there is no change in the budget. In that case, no additional allocation is needed. The Home Minister has also indicated that the police will soon return to one of the old uniforms. The headquarters said that the government has been informed that 90 percent of the police members want to return to the old uniform.
Security analysts say that it would be wrong to think that changing the uniform or returning to the previous uniform will change the image or morale of the force. Dhaka University teacher Dr. Touhidul Haque said that this uniform is linked to crime control and citizen security. The government will take a decision considering the color and characteristics of the uniform.
Experts say that the government should not limit itself to just clothes but should reward the members of this force for good deeds and ensure reprimand for bad deeds. It must be ensured that no one can pit the army against the people for party interests.