The Police Headquarters has formally responded to our report, headlined “Police Postings: Lobbying, Bribery Override Merit,” published on 7 July 2026. The rejoinder objects to the report, describing it as “unsubstantiated and speculative.”
In the interest of fairness, we are publishing the rejoinder. However, TIMES of Bangladesh stands firmly by the report, which was based on police sources and complaints and contains no personal views of the reporter.
The full text of the rejoinder is as follows:
I, the undersigned, wish to state that Police Headquarters has taken serious note of the report titled “Police Postings: Lobbying, Bribery Override Merit,” published in your esteemed daily on July 7, 2026. The report is unsubstantiated and speculative, relying on anonymous sources, alleged insiders, and unverified social media claims without any supporting documentary evidence. Police Headquarters strongly protests this misleading, baseless, and fabricated report.
Bangladesh Police, the country’s principal law enforcement agency, conducts the transfers, postings, and promotions of its personnel in accordance with applicable laws, rules, established administrative procedures, and the operational requirements of the organization. Professional competence, integrity, experience, performance, discipline, and organizational necessity are carefully considered in the decision-making process.
Accordingly, the report’s assertion that transfers and postings are influenced by lobbying, bribery, or political considerations is misleading and does not reflect the institutional framework governing personnel management within Bangladesh Police.
The report further refers to alleged “rates” for transfers at various ranks and claims of financial transactions linked to senior appointments. These allegations are presented without any verifiable evidence.
Publishing such serious accusations against Bangladesh Police—an institution with a proud legacy of more than a century of service in law enforcement—solely on the basis of unnamed sources and unverified online narratives falls short of the standards of responsible, balanced, and evidence-based journalism.
Bangladesh Police maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, misconduct, and abuse of authority. Any allegation of corruption or irregularity supported by credible information is addressed through appropriate departmental and legal processes.
Generalized and unverified allegations against the institution as a whole, however, unfairly undermine the reputation of thousands of honest and dedicated police officers who serve the nation with professionalism and integrity.
The report also contains opinions and conclusions concerning internal administrative matters and organizational dynamics that are presented as established facts without adequate verification. Such reporting may create unnecessary public confusion and erode confidence in a vital state institution.
Bangladesh Police firmly believes in transparency, accountability, and constructive engagement with the media. We deeply respect press freedom and welcome objective, factual, and responsible journalism. At the same time, we expect that allegations of such gravity against Bangladesh Police will be subjected to rigorous verification before publication.
We therefore request that you publish this rejoinder with due prominence in the next issue of your newspaper.
Reporter’s note
This report has been prepared based on information and inquiries obtained through discussions with police personnel at various levels, as well as complaints. It does not contain any personal views or opinions of the reporter.
The report includes specific information regarding multiple networks involved in transfers and lobbying activities. Statements from responsible senior officials at Police Headquarters concerning allegations of lobbying and transfer businesses are also incorporated. Several instances of transfer-related activities have additionally been reported on social media.
