Extreme instability and discontent have gripped the overall police administration due to the failure to prevent sudden "flash processions" by the Bangladesh Awami League and the imposition of punitive measures on field-level officers. Amid panic among field officers regarding punishment, 11 senior officers—including the Special Branch (SB) Chief, Deputy Inspectors General (DIG), and Additional IGPs—were reshuffled simultaneously. Concurrently, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the capital's Cantonment Police Station was instantly withdrawn following the leak of a controversial audio recording containing criticisms of the Home Administration and remarks on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's return.

Punishment and Resentment at the Field Level Over Flash Processions

At a recent crime review meeting of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed made it clear that OCs and Deputy Commissioners (DC) of the respective divisions would be held accountable if flash processions of the banned organization occurred in their areas. Prompt action followed this strict warning. Following a recent flash procession in Gulshan, M Tanveer Ahmed, DC of the Gulshan Division, was attached to DMP Headquarters, shortly after Gulshan Police Station OC Md. Daud Hossain was withdrawn.

This executive stance has sparked severe anger among field-level officers. Speaking on condition of anonymity, several mid-level officers stated that it is impractical for an OC to immediately prevent a 2–3 minute procession of 10–12 people assembling without prior intelligence. Even during previous governments' tenures, OCs or DCs were not suspended or withdrawn when opposition parties held flash processions. According to officers, scapegoating personnel without proven negligence will severely damage field morale.

Experts warn that this policy could prove counterproductive. Criminologist and Associate Professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka, Dr. Tauhidul Haque, noted that placing excessive psychological pressure on police officers is ill-advised. At a time when the police force is still attempting to regain its footing, relying solely on administrative punishment rather than robust intelligence-led prevention will not yield positive results.

Former IGP Nurul Huda stated that while curbing the activities of banned organizations is the duty of the police, relying solely on unilateral punitive measures is not a solution. It is unjust to punish officers without verifying negligence or complicity. Echoing this view, former IGP Ashraful Huda remarked that forcing officers to perform through fear rather than boosting intelligence gathering and encouraging them will not work.

Audio Leak: Cantonment Police Station OC Withdrawn

Fuel was added to the flames of instability by an audio clip recently circulated on social media. In the recording, a police officer was heard making explosive remarks, including, "If Sheikh Hasina returns to the country, the police won't be able to do anything." Once identified as Md. Rakibul Hasan, OC of Cantonment Police Station, he was immediately withdrawn and attached to the Central Retention Office of the DMP.

In the leaked recording, the speaker harshly criticized the government, stating that street police are extremely weak and that senior officers are focused solely on personal political gain. The recording also alleged that OC postings were being bought and sold for cash through drivers of senior officials. Citing former IGP Benazir Ahmed's tenure, the speaker claimed that money did not change hands for OC transfers back then. The OC further alleged that while senior officials take bribes worth crores, qualified officers are systematically sidelined. This leaked audio has cast serious doubt on administrative discipline.

Reshuffle Across 11 Top Positions Including SB Chief

Amid political pressure and field-level disarray, two separate notifications issued by the Police-1 Branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs ordered the transfer and posting of 11 senior officers. While the orders cited "public interest," observers view the move as a direct response to the ongoing unrest. Official Previous Designation New Posting Md. Kamrul Ahsan DIG, Police Headquarters Additional IGP & Chief, Special Branch (SB) Sarder Nurul Amin Additional IGP, SB Additional IGP, Police Headquarters Md. Iqbal Hossain DIG, Dhaka Range Additional IGP, Police Headquarters Md. Mostafizur Rahman DIG, Khulna Range DIG, Dhaka Range Md. Rezaul Karim DIG, Police Headquarters DIG, Khulna Range Md. Sayedur Rahman DIG, CPH Additional IGP, Police Headquarters Mohammad Muslim DIG, Anti Terrorism Unit Director, Central Police Hospital (CPH) Md. Mainul Hasan Additional IGP, Tourist Police Principal, Bangladesh Police Academy (Sarda) G M Azizur Rahman Principal, Sarda Academy Additional IGP, Tourist Police Mir Ashraf Ali DIG, SB DIG, Railway Police Siddiqui Tanjilur Rahman DIG, Metrorail DIG, Special Branch (SB) Need for a Coordinated Approach Although the Ministry of Home Affairs and Police Headquarters have instructed heightened vigilance through increased patrols and special checkpoints, a lack of coordination between top management and field-level officers remains evident. Experts emphasize that police discipline and field operational effectiveness cannot be restored through coercion or fear of punishment. Enhancing intelligence capabilities, curbing internal corruption, and restoring professionalism free from political pressure remain the primary challenges for the police administration.

Author: Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton, Journalist, Political Analyst, and Editor-in-Chief, The Source News Bangla