Police, RAB, and Ansar unveil new uniforms after long-awaited change

The police, RAB, and Ansar forces in Bangladesh have finalized new uniforms. 

This decision comes after months of discussions and growing demands for reform, especially after the change in political leadership. 

The new uniforms were revealed in a meeting held on Monday, January 20, at the Ministry of Home Affairs, in the presence of top officials.

During the meeting, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasized that the change in uniform was not just about appearance.

He said, 

"Along with the uniform, there must also be a change in mindset." This statement highlighted the need for a deeper transformation within the forces, beyond just the visual change.

The meeting also gave approval for the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to purchase sound grenades and tear gas shells, further enhancing the capacity of the country‍‍`s security forces.

According to sources, a group of police, Ansar, and RAB members, each wearing one of 18 different uniform options, entered the meeting. 

The final decision on the uniform selection will be made after further consideration.

This move to change the uniforms follows an earlier statement made on August 11 by Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain, former Home Affairs Adviser of the interim government. 

He had revealed at the time that the police uniform and logo would undergo a major overhaul. 

"The police uniform and logo will be changed. Many people are disappointed, and they no longer wish to work wearing these uniforms. It will be changed very soon. After discussions in a cabinet meeting, a decision will be made on this matter," he had said.

He also emphasized the need for a Police Commission to manage the forces independently, without political influence. 

"There should be a Police Commission. The police will be managed under that commission. They should not be under any political party. We must ensure that the police are not used politically," he added.

This change in uniforms is expected to bring about a new era of professionalism and trust in the country‍‍`s law enforcement agencies.