Bangladesh’s police force is operating with 424 vacant posts in crucial ranks, raising concerns as preparations begin for upcoming national elections. Vacancies include nine out of 29 Additional IGP positions, 34 DIG posts, two Additional DIG posts, 47 Additional SP posts, and 332 ASP posts. Additionally, 119 officers at DIG, Additional DIG, and SP levels remain attached to units without responsibilities, leaving them practically inactive.
Despite these gaps, Home Affairs Advisor Lt. Gen. (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury assured readiness for elections, stating, “The Election Commission will determine the election date. We are ready.”
Police headquarters described promotions and transfers as an “ongoing process,” with Assistant Inspector General Enamul Haque noting they were unrelated to election preparations but expressing hope promotions would occur before the polls.
Frustration among senior officers is rising. Some feel sidelined despite fulfilling government duties, while others fear forced retirement without deserved promotions. A DIG lamented that juniors were promoted above him for political reasons, leaving him without significant posts as retirement looms.
The police force has also faced structural changes since Sheikh Hasina’s government fell in August 2024. Over 40 officers with 25 years of service were sent into compulsory retirement, 23 officers arrested over protest-related shootings, and 57 are absconding or absent for over 60 days, many linked to political repression cases.
IGP Baharul Alam recently urged officers to remain vigilant and prepare for election security, emphasizing patrols, guard posts, and protection of diplomatic zones. DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali stressed intelligence-based arrests and called on officers to act beyond political bias to ensure safe and participatory elections.
Meanwhile, concerns persist that mental stress over promotions and the lack of clear responsibilities are undermining morale, strategic focus, and operational readiness within the force at a critical time for national security and democratic stability.
