Following the recent ousting of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in Bangladesh, a significant reshuffle within the Dhaka police force has taken place. This move, announced on Monday, comes as the country grapples with the aftermath of widespread protests and a new interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
The transfer of 32 police station chiefs in Dhaka marks the culmination of a series of personnel changes within the police force. Earlier this month, 18 other officers-in-charge were transferred, and subsequent transfers have affected various ranks within the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). This large-scale reshuffle has resulted in all 50 police station heads in Dhaka being replaced.
The transferred police officers, who previously held command positions, have been assigned to training centers across the country to train new personnel. Others have been moved to units like the Tourist Police, Armed Police Battalion, or Industrial Police. This indicates a concerted effort by the new government to reshape the police force and potentially address concerns about its performance during the recent protests.
The reshuffling of police officers follows a period of intense unrest in Bangladesh. The protests, which began in mid-July over a controversial quota system in government jobs, escalated rapidly, leading to the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Hasina. The protests resulted in significant violence, with over 230 deaths reported. The death toll has now surpassed 600, including at least 44 police personnel killed during the unrest.
The new interim government under Yunus is now tasked with restoring order and navigating the country through this turbulent period. The major police reshuffle, along with other changes within the security apparatus, signifies the government’s commitment to reestablishing stability and addressing the grievances that fueled the recent protests. As the country moves forward, the effectiveness of these changes in restoring public trust and ensuring peace will be crucial.
