The government is set to nearly double the development allocation for the home ministry in the next fiscal year, signalling a major push to modernise law enforcement agencies and strengthen internal security infrastructure.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury is expected to propose a development allocation of Tk2,460.9 lakh crore for the ministry in his budget speech today.
The allocation was Tk1,298.57 lakh crore in the current fiscal year.
Development funds are typically used for infrastructure projects, modernisation programmes and capacity-building initiatives undertaken by agencies under the home ministry.
Four officers holding the ranks of deputy inspector general (DIG) and additional DIG at the police headquarters told TIMES of Bangladesh that purchases for law enforcement agencies are primarily financed through development allocations. Any shortfall is usually covered through supplementary allocations.
Former inspector general of police Muhammad Nurul Huda described spending on law and order as an investment rather than a cost.
“Many activities, including training of law enforcement agencies, purchasing equipment and capacity building, are financed from the development budget,” he told TIMES of Bangladesh.
According to him, the near doubling of the allocation suggested that the government intends to modernise and enhance the operational capacity of the country’s law enforcement agencies.
“This expenditure has never been doubled before. This is a good sign,” he said.
The increased allocation comes as the government faces the challenge of restoring the police force to full operational capacity following the 2024 uprising. During the unrest, police vehicles and installations were damaged, while significant quantities of weapons and ammunition were lost.
The force is also seeking improvements in facilities and benefits.
In the second week of May, police representatives presented a series of demands to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed also assured members of the force that several of their demands would be addressed, requiring substantial financial resources.
Officials at the home ministry said a major portion of the development budget is earmarked for strengthening the capabilities of law enforcement agencies. This includes the procurement of modern weapons, vessels, vehicles and technology for the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Bangladesh Coast Guard.
Infrastructure projects include the construction and renovation of police stations, outposts and barracks, as well as the development of border roads and border outposts.
The allocation will also support the modernisation of the Fire Service, including the procurement of advanced firefighting equipment and vehicles and the establishment of new fire stations.
Prison development projects will also receive funding. These include expanding inmate accommodation through renovation and construction, strengthening prison security and modernising correctional facilities.
In addition, part of the allocation will be used to expand e-passport services and accelerate the digitisation of immigration procedures under the Department of Passports and Immigration.
