Govt moves to revise police uniform amid dissatisfaction within force

The government has decided to revise the recently introduced police uniform following reported dissatisfaction within the force and concerns raised by frontline officers.

In a proposal sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Police Headquarters has recommended amendments to the Police Dress Rules-2025, suggesting new colour schemes for different units, taking into account “negative sentiment” among personnel and public opinion.

According to the proposal forwarded by the Logistics Branch of Police Headquarters, Metropolitan Police officers will wear light olive shirts, while district and other police units will wear deep blue shirts. The trousers for all personnel will remain khaki.

However, the changes will not apply to APBn, SPBn, SB, CID and RAB units.

In a letter sent to the ministry on 15 April, Police Headquarters noted that since the introduction of the current “iron” coloured shirts and “coffee” coloured trousers, dissatisfaction had emerged among field-level officers.

It said many personnel had faced ridicule on social media, affecting their professional morale.

The Bangladesh Police Service Association has also argued that similarities between the current uniform and those of other agencies have made it difficult for the public to clearly identify police personnel.

DIG Sarwar Morshed Shamim of the Police Headquarters Logistics Division said the proposed changes would not impose any additional financial burden on the government, as uniforms are distributed annually based on officers’ entitlements. Once the revised rules are approved, new uniforms will be issued in the next distribution cycle.

The association further stated that the khaki and blue uniform introduced in 2003–04 was better suited to Bangladesh’s climate and complexion, and that earlier decisions made during the interim government period had overlooked officers’ views. The current initiative, it said, aims to restore tradition and discipline under an elected government.