The government has suspended the awarding of Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) and President’s Police Medal (PPM) to 107 police officers and members just hours before Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was scheduled to hand them over at the inaugural ceremony of Police Week on Sunday.
Additional Inspector General of Police Rafiqul Islam confirmed the suspension to reporters.
The decision followed mounting criticism that the medal list had been politicised and that awards were being granted based on partisan considerations.
Sources said the list reportedly included the names of several officers who had received medals during the tenure of the previous Awami League government, raising questions over the selection process.
Police officials have described the last-minute suspension of the medal presentation as unprecedented in the history of the force.
The prime minister was scheduled to present the awards at the annual police parade at Rajarbagh Police Lines ground on Sunday morning as part of the four-day Police Week 2026 celebrations.
No official explanation has been provided for the suspension, and it remains unclear whether the medals will be awarded at a later date. The government has also not indicated whether the selection process will be reviewed or reconducted.
