Govt to reshuffle police for fair election

Abu Jakir :

The government has taken different initiatives and plans to ensure a peaceful environment during the next general election in a bid to make it credible, free, and fair, as concerns persist over possible unrest during the polls slated for mid-February next year.

One of the key measures is the decision to reassign Superintendents of Police (SPs) across districts through a lottery system. Public Administration Senior Secretary Md Mokhlesur Rahman on Wednesday confirmed the decision after a meeting with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam at the Secretariat.

He said, “Now, in case of allegations, deputy commissioners (DCs) are being withdrawn. We have a fit list and will continue to reshuffle where necessary. Many joint secretaries are available and will be brought into election duties to ensure stability.”

Earlier on 6 August, the Home Adviser also announced that SPs and officers-in-charge (OCs) would be transferred and posted through a lottery, with journalists’ associations invited to witness the process, to dispel doubts of partisan influence.

The IGP yesterday further disclosed that 4,000 new assistant sub-inspector (ASI) positions would be filled before the election – half through fresh recruitment and half through promotions. “The chief adviser has given approval in principle. We are working to implement those decisions,” Baharul said.

Mokhlesur Rahman noted that the recruitment process had been accelerated through amendments to regulations, adding that “constables, ASIs, and higher officers, including SPs, are undergoing training so the force will be fully prepared even before the election schedule is declared.”

Issuing a stern warning, the Senior Secretary added that no partisan conduct would be tolerated. “If any officer assigned to election duties showed bias, they would be withdrawn immediately and brought under administrative action in line with existing laws,” he said. He also stressed that neutrality is mandatory for all officials entrusted with election responsibilities.

In addition, the government has approved an interest-free motorcycle loan facility for sub-inspectors (SIs) and ASIs, with monthly fuel and maintenance allowances of Tk5,000 for the first five years and Tk7,000 thereafter. According to meeting minutes from 30 July, the scheme is aimed at improving police response time and enhancing field investigations.

Senior Home Secretary Nasimul Ghani said, “Providing an interest-free loan facility for motorcycles will speed up investigations, increase police presence in the field, and improve the overall quality of public service.”

Despite these moves, doubts remain in public discourse. Several newspapers have recently highlighted the fragility of public trust in election preparations. Prothom Alo wrote in an editorial last week that “the government must go beyond administrative reshuffles and address the perception that security forces act under political pressure.” The Daily Star observed that while reshuffling SPs is a positive step, “the credibility of the process depends on strict neutrality and transparency.”

Meanwhile, New Age stressed that mere logistical support for the police would not suffice, noting that “the fundamental question is whether the political and administrative apparatus will refrain from influencing security forces during the polls.”

Public Administration Secretary Mokhlesur Rahman, however, expressed optimism. “If the preparations we are taking carried out properly, then election day will go smoothly without any problems,” he said.

With only months to go before the 13th parliamentary election, observers say the government’s credibility will depend not just on reshuffles and new facilities for law enforcement, but also on consistent enforcement of neutrality in the field.