No visible preparations for observing Police Week

Although Police Week is celebrated every year in early January, no visible preparations have been noticed so far. Usually, the preparations for observing Police Week start in December. However, this time, even after January 2, nothing is known about it, resulting in uncertainty about the event.

Through observing Police Week, the work of the police department, including transparency and accountability, is evaluated. This event aims to improve mutual relations between the members of the police department and evaluate the success or failure of their work. The members are awarded the medals based on the efficiency and evaluation of the work.

In recognition of their work in 2024, 35 members of the police were awarded the Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) and 60 were awarded the President Police Medal (PPM). And for solving important cases, controlling crime, efficiency, dedication, honesty, and disciplinary behavior, 85 people were awarded BPM-Service, and 210 people were awarded PPM-Service. From 2021 to 2023, 15 BPM and PPM were awarded each. In 2019, the number of these medals was 118. In addition, 182 police members were awarded this medal in 2017, 132 in 2016, 102 in 2015, 86 in 2014, 20 in 2013 and 40 in 2012.

According to a police source, an announcement may be made not to award the medals this year. Even after talking to several senior police officials, nothing was known about the preparations for this event.

When talking to AIG (Media and PR) of the Police Headquarters, Enamul Haque Sagar, told Views Bangladesh: "No decision has been made yet about observing Police Week. Asked whether it will take place or not, he said: "It is not yet possible to confirm."

Every year, members of the department present their various demands to the government and authorities during the observance of Police Week. It is not known whether any such demands will be raised this year.

When asked about their expectations on the occasion of the Police Week, Mirpur Division Deputy Police Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Maksedur Rahman and Motijheel Division Deputy Police Commissioner (DC) Md. Shahriar Ali refrained from commenting on the matter.

However, several police officers, who did not want to be named, said that during the previous government's tenure, the police force was criticized for using political identities in financial transactions, transfers, promotions, and various human rights violations. The indiscriminate use of weapons during the July-August movement has eroded public trust in them, increasing anger. In this situation, they are emphasizing reforming the force, while at the same time seeking effective steps to ensure their security. They said that the killing of their colleagues during the mass uprising had put them in a frightening situation.

According to police headquarters, 44 policemen were killed during the mass uprising. In addition, 187 police members have not joined the work since the fall of the Awami League-led government on August 5.

Meanwhile, cases have been filed against 952 police members so far on charges of shooting and killing people during the movement. These cases have been filed in various police stations and courts across the country. A total of 28 police members have already been arrested. The list of accused includes six former inspectors general of police, 36 former additional inspectors general of police, 5 additional IGPs, several former and current DIGs, additional DIGs, superintendents of police, additional superintendents of police, assistant superintendents of police, inspectors, sub-inspectors, constables, and members of various ranks.

Criminologists do not see the disruption of this arrangement in the changed circumstances as a big deal.

ABM Nazmus Shakib, a lecturer in the Department of Criminology at Dhaka University, told Views Bangladesh: "In the post-August 5 situation, the police force is in a state of disarray. The balance of their structure that existed in the past is not there now. The police have not yet been able to overcome their panic. In this situation, it is not unusual for Police Week to not be observed this year."

He said: "In this situation, more emphasis should be put on building the morale of the police and the importance of recognizing their work cannot be denied."