Police seek budget for case investigations, managing unidentified bodies

Highlights

• RAB aims to rebuild trust with reforms and new RAB Act 2024
• CID tracks Tk1,000cr in undeclared assets from ex-ministers, big firms
• Units demand resources such as vehicles, funeral funds, cyber unit, better work conditions

Police units across Bangladesh have called for increased budget allocations to address critical resource shortages in case investigations and the management of unidentified bodies.

These concerns were prominently voiced during the "Police Week 2025" held yesterday (30 April) at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh.

Ten specialised units, including Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), Highway Police, Railway Police, and Industrial Police, presented both their achievements and ongoing structural and financial challenges.

A common concern among the units was the lack of dedicated budget for investigative operations, with officers often forced to pay out-of-pocket for essential tasks such as burial arrangements or field investigations.

RAB eyes public trust and accountability

Facing political pressure since the events of 5 August last year — amid demands from some political groups for its disbandment — the RAB outlined a strategic plan to regain public trust.

RAB Director General (DG) AKM Shahidur Rahman said the force has established both a "Human Rights Cell" and an "Internal Investigation Cell" to ensure transparency and accountability.

"Work is underway on the 'RAB Act 2024,' which will further formalise accountability. We also pledged increased involvement in investigating high-profile crimes and combating cybercrime," he added.

The DG further said from 5 August 2024, to 28 April 2025, RAB reportedly arrested 1,487 individuals in 442 murder cases and 154 in sabotage-related cases.

CID investigates undeclared assets of former ministers

Head of CID Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) IGP Gazi Jasim Uddin revealed that following last year's political transition in July, CID formed a special team to trace the undeclared assets of former ministers and influential figures. "The team has already identified assets worth nearly Tk1,000 crore, including over 5,800 decimals of land."

He said, "Investigations are also ongoing against major corporate entities including S Alam Group, Beximco, Bashundhara, Nabil, Unique, and the Sikder Group. Under money laundering laws, several cases have been filed across the country. In one such case in Cox's Bazar, authorities seized property worth Tk10 crore."

"CID's forensic division has also shown progress, using fingerprint, DNA, digital, and chemical forensics to crack previously unsolved cases such as the Meghna River seven murders, a youth murder in Jhalokathi, and a theft case in Badda," he added.

However, CID highlighted ongoing issues including a lack of skilled personnel, frequent staff transfers, and a limited budget.

The CID chief has called for expanding the capacity of its Financial Crime Unit to meet the growing complexity of economic crimes.

Other units raise structural and resource concerns

The Highway Police emphasised that many social media allegations about highway crimes are based on rumours but assured the public of increased road safety.

Other units demanded better vehicle availability, funds for burials, infrastructure improvements, gender-sensitive work environments, and a standalone cybercrime unit. They also requested new policy frameworks to address the burden of additional responsibilities.

A senior official from the Police Headquarters confirmed that police leadership met with advisors and secretaries from various ministries later in the day to discuss the concerns raised by the units.