Gov’t to replace controversial police chiefs from past elections

Bangladesh authorities plan to remove most police station commanders who oversaw duties during the nation’s previous three national elections held in 2014, 2018 and 2024, according to Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. Officers who served across all three election cycles will face immediate replacement, with those present for two polls following next. The government intends to extend removals to single-election commanders if sufficient personnel become available, though resource constraints may require retention of some officers without misconduct allegations.

Chowdhury announced the personnel changes after a Tuesday security coordination meeting at government offices, where officials examined drug enforcement, border protection and arms recovery efforts. Authorities recently seized 11 weapons from the Raozan subdistrict in Chattogram. The adviser warned that any law enforcement member showing favoritism toward political candidates will face prosecution. He characterized police officers who departed the country as criminals and confirmed ongoing repatriation efforts.

Investigators formed a probe panel to examine a recent fire incident while requesting international assistance from multiple nations. Specialists from several countries arrived to support the inquiry.