Police Week: Force to demand independent commission, cyber unit

The Bangladesh Police is set to begin its annual 'Police Week' tomorrow, but in a much changed format, as the force prepares to present a list of crucial demands, including an independent commission and cyber unit, to the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

The three-day event, shorter than the usual week-long programme, will focus on guiding field-level officers in preparation for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The chief adviser is scheduled to officially inaugurate the Police Week at 11am tomorrow at the Rajarbagh Police Lines Auditorium, according to sources at the Police Headquarters.

This year's Police Week comes amid several challenges for the police. Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on 5 August, the police have faced significant public backlash, during which 46 officers tragically lost their lives, and many police stations, vehicles, and properties were damaged by vandalism and arson. These events give this year's Police Week additional significance.

As a result of the changed circumstances, the usual grandeur of Police Week will be reduced. The event will last for three days, and there will be no parade, Shield Parade, competitions, or publication of a supplement.

Additionally, there will be no meetings with the president, senior police officers at the chief adviser's office, or the chief justice.

Despite the shortened format, the police are determined to raise their urgent needs with the government. Some officers recall previous years when their requests received limited attention, but there is hope that the current interim government will be more responsive.

A senior official from the Police Headquarters said that an initial list of twelve demands was narrowed down to six key proposals. These include creating an independent police commission, setting up a public complaint cell, forming a grievance resolution committee for police personnel, providing compensation allowances equal to one month's basic salary, establishing an independent cyber unit, and offering supernumerary promotions to officers who have been in the same position for a long period before retirement.

Another important focus of Police Week will be guiding field-level officers on their role in ensuring a free and fair national election. Senior police officials are already planning measures to maintain stability and facilitate a smooth electoral process.

Enamul Haque Sagar, assistant inspector general of police at Police Headquarters, confirmed that steps will be taken to address the concerns of officers on the ground. Discussions will also centre on maintaining law and order during this critical time.

Meanwhile, the number of recipients of the prestigious Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) and President's Police Medal (PPM), awarded for exceptional bravery, has significantly decreased.

This year, only 62 officers have been selected for these honours, compared to 349 in 2019. The recipients include the former inspector general of police (IGP), acting additional IGP, DIGs, Commissioners, SPs, and other senior officials.

The three-day programme will feature several important events. Tomorrow, at noon, there will be a special court session where the chief adviser will address the police, followed by virtual greetings from unit heads. In the afternoon, the IGP will speak to senior officers.

Wednesday will include presentations from specialised units such as the Special Branch, Criminal Investigation Department, and Rapid Action Battalion, as well as a conference with the home adviser and home secretary.

Thursday's schedule will feature presentations from the Armed Police Battalion, Railway Police, and Naval Police, a visit to the Police Women's Welfare Association (PUNAK) stall, the annual PUNAK meeting, a presentation from the Industrial Area Police, and a reunion with retired officers.

Despite the event being scaled down, AIG Enamul Haque Sagar expressed confidence in the success of this three-day Police Week and assured that all necessary security measures are in place.