Police officers, who had been on strike, have decided to end their strike after a meeting with the Interim Government's Home Advisor, Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain. The meeting also resulted in a decision to change the police uniform and logo.
The meeting took place on Sunday afternoon at the Ministry of Home Affairs, where a delegation of striking police officers met with the advisor. Senior officials from various departments, including Senior Secretary of Security Services Division Mashiur Rahman, Secretary of the Public Security Division Md. Jahangir Hossain, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Moinul Islam, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General, and Department of Immigration and Passports Director General, were present.
During the meeting, several of the 11 demands put forward by police officers were assured to be met in short term, while others would be addressed over a longer period. It was decided that any attack on police officers would no longer be tolerated, and complaints against any police official must be reported to higher authorities.
Before meeting with police officials, Advisor M. Sakhawat Hossain held discussions with student representatives.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he noted that the recent events had severely impacted police morale. He acknowledged that the demands made by police were reasonable and pledged to address them both immediately and over time.
Criticizing the previous political administration, Hossain remarked that police were not as much to blame as those who commanded them, often involving them in political activities. He mentioned that these issues would be discussed in detail during a Cabinet meeting.
Hossain also indicated that there was a consensus to establish an independent commission for police, ensuring that they would no longer be used for political purposes.
Regarding senior officials in Dhaka who have yet to return to work, Hossain stated that they must resume their duties, and any wrongdoing on their part would be investigated and punished accordingly. He assured that the government would listen to them before taking any action.
He further announced that police uniform and logo would be changed, as many officers were demoralized and unwilling to continue working under the current conditions. The changes will be discussed and finalized in a Cabinet meeting.
Following the meeting, Inspector Zahidul Islam and Constable Shoebur Rahman, coordinators of the protesting police officers, announced the end of the work absentia. They expressed hope that all officers would return to their duties smoothly, reassured by the government's commitment to addressing most of their demands.
The officers mentioned that the discussions were open and that most of their demands had been accepted. They also received positive signals regarding establishment of an independent police commission and prompt change of police uniforms.
SKB
