A wave of transfers and postings in the police force has created unease among officers, with many from the rank of inspector to superintendent of police (SP) worried over frequent large-scale reshuffles.
Officers of deputy inspector general (DIG) rank are also feeling unsettled.
Although the home ministry and the Police Headquarters describe the moves as routine, the scale and timing of the transfers have raised questions within the force.
Almost every transfer order has been followed by criticism on social media, creating an uncomfortable situation for the police. The Police Association and Police Service Association have issued multiple statements over the issue, highlighting concerns about maintaining a politically neutral role for the force.
Former inspector general of police (IGP) Baharul Alam told TIMES, “Transfers are a regular part of government service. However, if range DIGs and district SPs are transferred before completing their designated tenure, there must certainly be reasons behind it.”
A TIMES investigation found that 46 officers from SP to DIG ranks have been transferred in the past six days alone. Each order stated that the transfers would take effect immediately.
Serving and former police officials said every posting normally has a fixed tenure. Transfers before completion of that period without clear justification create pressure within the force, affect morale and disrupt the pace of work.
Requesting anonymity, several officers said recent political activities under the banner of the banned Awami League, along with incidents of cocktail explosions and vehicle arson, have increased pressure on field-level police.
They said officers have been instructed to strengthen operations and patrols to maintain law and order.
At the same time, discussions within the force over the political affiliations of officers have intensified. The activities of several officials have also come under criticism on social media.
Additional IGP (Administration) AKM Awlad Hossain declined to comment when contacted.
Police Headquarters spokesperson (AIG Media) AHM Shahadat Hossain told TIMES that transfers are routine in government service.
“Everyone remains mentally prepared for transfers. There is no reason to be concerned about it,” he said.
Former IGP Khuda Baksh Chowdhury told TIMES, “Governments work with challenges and targets. Each government has different challenges and objectives. I do not know about the challenges and objectives of the current government.”
The police force was already facing instability after the mass uprising on 5 August 2024. A leaked audio recording of the withdrawn officer-in-charge (OC) of Cantonment Police Station in Dhaka has further highlighted the continuing uncertainty within the force.
Since then, a significant number of officers have been sent into retirement, many have been named as accused in cases over alleged excessive force during the July uprising, and several officers and police personnel have received death sentences in cases before the International Crimes Tribunal.
Meanwhile, many officers who claimed they were deprived during the Awami League government have received multiple promotions within a short period. However, dissatisfaction over postings and career progression remains.
Two DIG-rank officers from the 18th BCS batch told TIMES that promotions had not always translated into meaningful work opportunities.
“Many from the 20th batch are receiving postings in different ranges one after another,” they said.
Several officers from the ranks of inspector to SP, additional DIG, DIG and additional IGP have expressed dissatisfaction over promotions and postings, saying access to influential government figures has become an important factor.
Batchmates of a DIG-rank officer posted outside Police Headquarters also expressed frustration over the decision.
Many officers from the 25th BCS batch have also voiced disappointment over delayed promotions. Many of them remain at SP rank despite serving for years. During the last Police Week, they raised their concerns with the prime minister and home minister.
Why transfers are happening
Three officers holding additional IGP and DIG ranks said promotions and postings have historically been influenced by changes in government.
They said assignments are decided based on law-and-order conditions, political circumstances, experience in strategy and field management and, in some cases, officers’ perceived affiliations.
The confidence of police chiefs, as well as the preferences of DIGs in metropolitan areas and ranges, are also considered during postings. Routine transfers are another factor.
Several Police Headquarters officials said the government wants trusted officers in key positions.
They said one consideration is preventing supporters of the ousted Awami League from accessing sensitive information or creating opportunities for political activities at the field level.
DMP Headquarters has warned that disciplinary action will be taken against zonal deputy commissioners (DCs) and officers-in-charge (OCs) if Awami League leaders and activists organise processions, rallies or activities in their areas.
The impact has already been seen in Gulshan and Mirpur. The issue has since created concern among police officers across the country.
Officials in areas where law and order problems create embarrassment for the government are also facing action. Although questions have been raised over such decisions, intelligence failures have received less focus.
On Tuesday, 31 officers including DIGs, additional DIGs and SPs were posted. Earlier, 15 officers were transferred on 17 and 20 September, while nine officers from additional DIG to SP ranks were transferred on 30 August.
The transfers included police superintendents of Netrokona, Brahmanbaria, Chuadanga, Rajbari, Meherpur, Bagerhat, and Narayanganj. Several deputy commissioners of Dhaka Metropolitan Police divisions, including Gulshan and Mirpur, were also changed. A new SP has been appointed in Pirojpur.
