Dhaka: As Bangladesh police begin to resume operations after calling off a strike last week, which followed attacks on police stations and personnel by protesting students, they have put forth a list of demands before the interim government that took charge after the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August, ThePrint has learnt.
These include a change in the colour of the uniform which has been “tarnished”, a force free of “party influence”, safety of personnel and compensation for those who lost their lives in the attacks.
According to sources in the Bangladesh police department, 11 such demands are under consideration by the Mohammed Yunus-led interim government.
According to data accessed by ThePrint from sources in the interim government, 44 policemen were killed and 2,466 injured in the attacks. Over 460 establishments, including 60 police stations, police posts and barracks were burnt or vandalised, and 1,000 police vehicles torched in the violence.
The police, under attack by students for allegedly siding with the government and shooting at protesters, emptied out the roads, refusing to return to work.
Speaking to ThePrint, Mainul Islam, Bangladesh’s Inspector General of Police, said some changes are on the cards.
“We understand that the reforms are needed. We need to boost the morale of our police, and at the same time, regain the faith of the people. We need to convey that the police are their friend. Some changes are on the cards, the work is in progress,” he said, refusing to divulge any more details.
One police personnel, who did not wish to be named, alleged that the police department under Hasina’s regime was “completely corrupt” and officers close to her would “mistreat lower-rung personnel”. He alleged that some officers “amassed a lot of wealth” then and said that they should now be “brought to book”.
The officer added that it was because of those officers that public anger was directed towards the entire force.
“It was because of the actions of a few, who had targeted the students, that the name of the entire force was tarnished. They are also to be blamed for the killings of so many of our own policemen. All who were killed were from the lower ranks. We faced the brunt for their misdeeds,” he said. “These officers must be arrested, prosecuted, and their illegal properties must be confiscated and used for the welfare of the people.”
A second police personnel added that the department must be allowed to operate without any political interference. “An independent police force is what we have demanded… without any party interference or influence. It should have an independent commission. We have been told that the demands are being considered,” the officer said.
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Compensation, fair treatment
The police personnel have also demanded that adequate compensation be provided to families of those killed and injured in the ongoing violence.
They have also sought registration of cases against those who killed the policemen.
“No action has been taken against those who killed our men, no case was registered. Now we are told that cases are being registered, so that is a welcome step,” an officer said.
Concerns over delayed promotions, lack of medical care and ill-treatment of subordinates by senior officers have also been flagged.
“Immediate reforms are required in the department. We have been sitting for years without a promotion. We have now demanded that promotions must come within six years,” the officer added. “Inspectors and higher authorities get all benefits, including pension, if they lose their job, but constables and sub-inspectors should also be given the same.”
He further said that subordinate members of police are often mistreated and used by senior officers for their personal errands, which should be stopped.
“We need to give a voice to personnel from the ranks of sub-inspector and below. Trading of postings, which has become a norm, must also be prohibited,” the officer underlined.
Adding, “Medical care for all policemen and their families must also be ensured.”
Acknowledging these concerns, a senior officer, who did not want to be named, said rebuilding the force has immense challenges.
“There is a need to regain the trust of the people. Attacks on police happened because people lost faith and felt we were working for the government. That has to change,” he said. “Also, trust of the lower constabulary has to be garnered, which we are working on.”
(Edited by Mannat Chugh)
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