News Desk : dhakamirror.com
On Monday, the government announced the introduction of new uniforms for the police, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party.
The police will don iron-colored uniforms, while the RAB will wear green olive, and the Ansar will sport golden wheat, as stated by home adviser retired lieutenant general Jahangir Alam Chowdhury during a briefing following the 6th law and order meeting of advisers at the secretariat in Dhaka.
“We have finalized the new uniforms in the meeting. Members of the forces will receive their new attire in phases,” Jahangir mentioned.
He emphasized the need for a change in overall activities and attitudes, in addition to the uniforms. “Our top priority is to combat corruption,” he added.
This decision by the interim government comes in response to calls for police reform and a change in uniforms following the ousting of the Awami League regime on August 5, 2024, during a student-led mass uprising.
According to a gazette notification from the liberation war affairs ministry issued on January 16, 834 individuals lost their lives during the July-August uprising. This marks the first official list of martyrs from the uprising, compiled by the government, which includes the names of 834 martyrs from across the nation.
When asked about the government’s decision to change uniforms, Police Headquarters assistant inspector general Enamul Haque Sagar stated, “The police are now dedicated to providing services to the public. We believe the new uniforms will positively influence the police force’s duties.”
Former IGP Abdul Quiyium remarked that changing the police’s mindset is more crucial than merely altering their uniforms. “Enhancing the capacity and morale of the force is vital. The government should take action against police officials involved in the killings, rather than just changing their uniforms,” he noted.
On December 14, 2024, the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance in its first provisional report submitted to the interim government recommended disbanding RAB for its involvement in enforced disappearances.
On December 10, 2021, the United States Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the RAB for human rights abuse.
On January 15, the Police Reform Commission in its report recommended giving all power to the National Human Rights Commission to investigate human rights violations by members of law enforcement agencies.
