The issue of redesigning the uniform of the Bangladesh Police has once again come under active consideration, with fresh discussions taking place at the highest levels of the government amid concerns over cost, identity, and public perception.
Officials from the Bangladesh Police have recently proposed a renewed change to their standard uniform, presenting five different colour schemes to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Within the space of a week, a delegation of police personnel met the Home Minister twice, showcasing sample designs and requesting an expedited decision on a new official attire.
However, the Ministry of Home Affairs (Bangladesh) has adopted a more cautious stance, stressing the need for careful evaluation before any further alteration. Senior officials, speaking anonymously, noted that frequent changes to uniforms are neither practical nor financially sustainable, particularly given the significant public expenditure already incurred.
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Cost and procurement concerns
It has been revealed that during the interim administration, contracts worth approximately 76 crore taka were awarded for the supply of uniform fabrics. Two private firms secured the tenders:
| Supplier | Contract Value | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Noman Group | 51 crore taka | Partial delivery completed |
| Paramount Group | 25 crore taka | Supply ongoing |
Officials indicate that nearly 10 lakh metres of fabric were planned for delivery, of which around 3 lakh metres have already been supplied. However, further production has reportedly been paused pending a final decision on the revised colour scheme.
Multiple uniform options under review
Five uniform variations have been presented to policymakers for consideration:
| Option | Shirt | Trousers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Khaki | Navy blue |
| 2 | Khaki | Khaki |
| 3 | Deep navy blue | Deep navy blue |
| 4 | Iron grey (previously approved) | Iron grey |
| 5 | Sky blue | Navy blue |
Police personnel have reportedly expressed mixed reactions to the existing design introduced last year, with some raising concerns about aesthetics, field visibility, and public perception. There have also been complaints regarding ridicule on social media, which officers say has affected morale.
Background of repeated changes
The last major overhaul of the police uniform took place in 2004. After more than two decades, a decision was taken in January last year to introduce a new “iron-grey” uniform, which came into limited operational use in November. However, full nationwide distribution has yet to be completed.
Alongside the police, uniform revisions were also planned for other security forces, including the Rapid Action Battalion and Ansar units, though those changes have not yet been implemented.
Financial and policy debate
The possibility of yet another redesign within such a short period has sparked debate among policy experts. Critics argue that repeated alterations may lead to unnecessary public expenditure and logistical disruption, especially when many officers have already been issued new uniforms.
Former chief economist at the World Bank’s Dhaka office, Zahid Hussain, has questioned the timing of the proposal, suggesting that government resources would be better directed towards improving policing standards and operational capacity rather than repeated aesthetic changes.
Within government circles, the matter remains under review, with final approval expected only after broader consultations on cost implications, functionality, and institutional identity.