Discontent and discomfort have resurfaced among field-level personnel of the Bangladesh Police regarding the newly introduced uniform. Many officers argue that the current attire fails to preserve their traditional identity, comfort, and operational efficiency. The debate has been amplified on social media, where the new uniform has faced ridicule and criticism, further unsettling personnel. Several members are now advocating a return to the traditional khaki uniform, which they believe better reflects the force’s heritage and functional needs.
On Monday, the Bangladesh Police Service Association (BPSA) formally expressed these concerns in a statement. The declaration, signed by the organisation’s General Secretary, Md. Anisuzzaman, who is also the Superintendent of Police of Comilla District, indicated that a majority of officers do not support the recent uniform change. They argued that the current outfit does not align with the long-standing traditions, discipline, and professionalism of the police force.
The statement further highlighted that the selection of the new uniform was carried out without any consultation or opinion survey among personnel. Critical factors such as climate adaptability, practicality, and visibility were allegedly overlooked. Moreover, the uniform bears a striking resemblance to the attire of other government services, making police officers less readily identifiable.
The khaki uniform, in contrast, was introduced in 2003–04 after thorough scrutiny. The design then prioritised visibility, comfort in all weather conditions, effectiveness during both day and night duties, and distinction from other service uniforms.
The BPSA also raised concerns over the significant expenditure associated with the new attire, suggesting that these funds could instead be channelled towards modernising police infrastructure, expanding vehicle fleets for local stations, and enhancing logistical support—a move they consider more economically sensible, especially given the country’s current financial climate.
The differences between the old and new uniforms are summarised in the following table:
| Feature | Old Uniform (2003–04) | New Uniform |
|---|---|---|
| Approval Process | Thorough scrutiny and evaluation | Implemented without consultation |
| Visibility | Easily identifiable | Resembles other services; difficult to identify |
| Financial Cost | Relatively low | Significant expenditure |
| Practical Utility | Suitable for all weather and shifts | Inconvenient and less functional |
| Tradition | Upholds police heritage and discipline | Does not reflect historical tradition |
Speaking to Samakal, Md. Anisuzzaman said, “The views of field officers were disregarded when implementing this new uniform. Returning to the old khaki attire would be far more effective and suitable for personnel. We urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to reconsider this decision.”
In summary, police personnel are calling for a reconsideration of the uniform change, emphasising that any new attire must maintain professionalism, comfort, and safety, and must reflect the collective opinion of the entire force before implementation.