Police want old uniform back, embarrassed by mockery over new attire

Discomfort among field-level police members over the change in uniform has come to the fore once again. Many members are unable to accept the new uniform and have demanded a return to the previous attire.

Questions have also been raised by some regarding the colour of the current uniform. It has been learned that many police members feel embarrassed due to mockery and ridicule on social media about the new uniform.

Deep concern was expressed in a statement issued on Monday night signed by Mohammad Anisuzzaman, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Police Service Association and Superintendent of Police in Cumilla.

The statement said the majority of force members do not support this hastily made decision. They consider the long-standing khaki uniform as a symbol of the force's tradition, discipline and professionalism.

The statement alleged that the interim government ignored the skin tones of police members, the country's climate and field-level opinions when determining the new uniform. It also claimed the decision was made without proper public opinion verification. Additionally, due to similarity with uniforms of other uniformed services, it has become difficult to easily identify police members.

According to the association, in 2003-2004, the then government determined the khaki uniform after lengthy scrutiny based on a committee's recommendations, considering the country's climate, day-night duties and avoiding similarity with other forces.

They further stated that changing uniforms is a costly process that could create additional burden in the current economic context. Spending this money on modernising the force, supplying vehicles to police stations and increasing logistics support would be more justified. They opined that developing members' morale, mindset and professionalism is more urgent than uniform colour.

An appeal has been made to the Home Ministry to reconsider the matter. A proposal has also been made to determine a new design based on everyone's opinion if necessary.

Inquiry reveals that police members are provided five sets of uniform annually. After nearly 21 years, the uniform was changed during the interim government's tenure. The last uniform change was in 2004.

The interim government decided to change the uniforms of police, RAB and attached Ansar. Although new uniforms were determined for the three forces in January, following criticism, the uniforms of RAB and attached Ansar were not changed.