The government's decision to overhaul the Bangladesh Police uniform-followed by renewed moves to reverse the change-has triggered widespread debate over public spending, procurement transparency and the nature of police reform.
The uniform introduced on November 15 2025 under the interim government is now under review amid strong resistance from within the force, with officers and constables expressing dissatisfaction over design, fabric quality and practicality.
Police sources said an internal survey found that 96.5 per cent of personnel preferred the previous uniform, while many officers reported that the new design also led to public criticism and online trolling, affecting morale.
In response to growing opposition, the Bangladesh Police Service Association and Bangladesh Police Association formally called for a review, arguing that the change was implemented hastily without adequate consultation or assessment of operational needs.
They also questioned the financial priorities behind the decision, saying that funds used for uniform replacement could have been directed toward modernisation of the force, logistics and equipment upgrades.
Governance experts say the controversy highlights persistent concerns over transparency in the use of public funds, stressing that detailed disclosure of state procurement is essential for accountability.
The cost of the previous uniform change alone exceeded Tk 760 million, while procurement contracts for fabric, footwear and related materials were worth more than Tk 240 crore, according to available data.
Major contracts included Tk 141 crore awarded to Noman Group for uniform fabric and Tk 105.26 crore to Friends Trading Corporation for supplying boots, shoes and related items. Questions have been raised over procurement qualifications and production capacity of some awarded firms.
Large-scale purchases were also made for uniform materials, including Tk 30.79 crore for 700,000 metres of fabric, Tk 39.37 crore for over one million metres of twill fabric for district police, and Tk 19.29 crore for specialised materials. Additional spending included bedding and training materials for personnel.
Police Headquarters had initially introduced the new uniform on a limited scale, but resistance grew as many personnel refused to wear it, prompting directives for compliance. However, officers in several units have continued using the older uniform.
The interim government had approved the uniform change following criticism of police conduct during the mass uprising on August 5, 2024. The shift in colour and design was intended as part of broader reform efforts and to rebuild public trust.
However, critics within the force argue that symbolic changes have come at the expense of deeper institutional reforms, including training, logistics and capacity building.
At present, police authorities are reportedly preparing to replace the existing uniform again, having recently submitted five new colour proposals to the Home Ministry.
Officials, however, say the decision must be taken cautiously due to cost implications and operational disruption. The ministry has indicated that frequent uniform changes are neither practical nor financially sustainable.
Sources said the last major uniform change before this was in 2004, and the latest overhaul in 2025 marked a significant departure after more than two decades.
