Bangladesh cops fix image

Police hope new uniform repairs their broken reputation, writes Sheikh Sabiha Alam

- Sheikh Sabiha Alam

Bangladesh’s police have unveiled new uniforms in a symbolic bid to signal reform and rebuild deeply eroded public trust, just weeks ahead of the first elections since amass uprising.

The police force was cast into turmoil after the 2024 overthrow of the autocratic government of now-convicted fugitive Sheikh Hasina, which left at least 1,400 dead and thousands maimed — many by police gunfire.

“Bangladesh Police have been facing an unprecedented crisis” police spokesman Sahadat Hossaine told AFP. “The policymakers suggested... that a new uniform may bring a positive change”

Police are now trading the familiar turquoise-and-blue uniforms for iron-grey shirts and chocolate-brown trousers.

Whether a new colour scheme can mend a shattered reputation remains doubtful.

“Whenever I see a policeman, I feel like biting his flesh off. I don’t know if I'll ever get over this hatred,” said Nazma Akhtar, 48, whose 17-year-old son Golam Nafeez was killed during the uprising.

Ms Akhtar’s son was shot, denied entry to a hospital, and died from blood loss on Aug 4, 2024.