Legal notice issued to halt police uniform change plan

A legal notice has been issued seeking suspension of the government’s initiative to change the uniform of the Bangladesh Police, along with all related administrative processes.

The notice was sent to the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Finance Secretary, Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Additional DIG (Logistics).

Lawyer Md. Shahinuzzaman, who confirmed the development on Thursday (April 23), said the move seeks to prevent “unnecessary public expenditure” amid ongoing economic pressure. He urged the government to retain the existing uniform alongside any new design until economic conditions improve.

The notice, also signed by three other Supreme Court lawyers, claims that around Tk 7.6 billion was previously spent in 2025 following amendments to the Police Dress Rules for uniform changes. It argues that further changes would lead to financial waste and administrative instability.

The petitioners stressed that meaningful police reform should focus on training, accountability, human rights practices and service quality rather than changes in appearance.

They also raised concerns over the timing of the proposal, citing inflation and broader economic strain.

The notice includes five demands, including immediate suspension of all uniform-related procurement and implementation activities, disclosure of all past expenditures, and utilization of existing stock uniforms.

It warns that if the demands are not met within 15 days, a public interest litigation (PIL) will be filed with the High Court under Article 102 of the Constitution.