The police system, which came to an end with the overthrow of the Sheikh Hasina government due to the student rebellion, has not yet returned to normal.
Senior officials who were regarded as the previous government’s confidants have disappeared, while many have been transferred and others have been relieved.
Following the incident, the force has shown signs of instability as a result of transfers, new postings, promotions, and the agitation of personnel who had previously been denied privileges.
According to sources, a subset of police officers dubbed BNP supporters—who were either demoted or cornered during the Sheikh Hasina administration—are attempting to influence decisions made at the police headquarters.
When deciding which officers will be promoted and which need to be transferred, they are attempting to exert control over the decision-making process.
Simultaneously, a number of organizations have compiled a list of officials who were detained under the Awami League regime and who were ardent supporters of the Awami League, organized by batch.
Many of the professional officers have so found themselves in awkward situations and are concerned.
Several officers, who have been demoted due to falling out of favour of influential police officers or for hailing from certain regions, told Prothom Alo on condition of anonymity that there are many qualified people among the deprived officers. Again some were not promoted due to involvement in criminal activities.
Now they also want to outstrip the professional officials. Some are also using political connections to create pressure. Due to their pressure, a proposal was sent to give promotion to certain officials directly from the post of Superintendent of Police (SP) to the post of Deputy Inspector General (DIG). Stuck in less important positions (known as dumping post) for years, some of these officials had become disillusioned and got involved with businesses.
But on Saturday, Md. Moinul Islam, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), said to Prothom Alo, “We have to consider promoting some officials who were deprived for a long time.” Those with a strong record of professionalism, responsibility, and accountability are being selected to key positions based on current needs.”
