Bangladesh police have stepped out in their newly introduced iron-grey uniform, drawing swift public attention and triggering a wave of mixed reactions in social media.
Officers in fresh metallic-toned attire were seen from Saturday early morning (November 15) at several key points in the capital, marking a visible shift from the force’s long-used traditional colours.
Photos and videos of the new look circulated widely online within hours as many citizens praised the change as a move toward a more modern and professional’ appearance.
A section of social media users are raising questions about the uniform practicality of the colour, associated costs and whether such surface changes would translate into better policing on the ground.
Police officials said the uniform change is part of a wider modernisation effort aimed at strengthening the force’s image.
Many citizens said meaningful reform must go beyond attire, emphasising performance and institutional integrity as the real markers of progress.
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In a bid to modernise the appearance of the country’s law enforcement agencies, the government on January 20 unveiled redesigned uniforms for the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Ansar.
Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the new uniforms would come in distinct colours for each force, marking a shift aimed at improving visibility and professionalism.
“We have finalised three new uniform designs for the police, RAB and Ansar. These uniforms will be introduced in phases, gradually replacing the existing attire,” he told reporters.
Responding to queries on cost, the adviser said the transition would not put any significant pressure on the national budget. “There will be no major financial strain in implementing these changes,” he added.
Officials said the decision is part of broader efforts to enhance both the image and operational effectiveness of Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies.
The initiative for this reform gained momentum following deliberations on police reforms, which began after August 5 last year.
After the interim government assumed office, members of the security forces began calling for a change in uniform colours as part of a wider push to reshape institutional mindsets and boost morale.
After independence, the most significant change to the police uniform came in 2004 when the four-party alliance government led by BNP removed the boat emblem from the uniform, along with the oar design from the cap, badge and belt.
Metropolitan police were given light olive uniforms, while district police wore dark blue. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) adopted black uniforms from its inception in 2004.
In 2009, Awami League-led grand alliance government restored reintroduced the boat symbol instead of Shapla emblem in the logo.
Historically, uniform changes have often been politically motivated, sometimes to prevent the attire from being linked to particular events.
A similar approach was seen with the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR). Following the 2009 mutiny, the BDR was renamed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in 2011, accompanied by changes to its logo and uniforms.
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