Bangladesh’s caretaker government has made improving law and order its top priority amid the current unrest in the country. The newly-appointed interior ministry adviser, Retired Brig. Gen. M. Sakhawat Hossain, emphasized on Friday that restoring the morale of law enforcement agencies is essential to stabilizing the nation.
Hossain expressed deep concern over the recent reports of vandalism and attacks on minority communities, although he noted that some of these reports might be “slightly exaggerated.” He acknowledged the challenges, stating, “Yes, there is a problem because law enforcement agencies are not there. They need to be given confidence to return to their duties.”
The country has been in turmoil since long-time leader Sheikh Hasina unexpectedly resigned as prime minister and fled to India on Monday following a series of violent, student-led protests demanding her ouster. Since the unrest escalated in July, around 300 people have been killed, and thousands more injured as security forces attempted to quell the demonstrations.
As a result, police stations across Bangladesh, a nation of 170 million people, have been abandoned, leading students and volunteers to form groups that patrol neighborhoods and manage traffic in the capital, Dhaka. Local media reported that the homes and businesses of the minority Hindu community have been targeted, prompting hundreds to flee to neighboring India, though they returned after local authorities assured them of their safety.
With police morale at an all-time low, Hossain stated his immediate priority would be to reach out to law enforcement agencies to restore their confidence, possibly leading to future reforms. He acknowledged the scale of the challenge, noting, “After such a big upheaval, which has almost broken down the whole chain, it will definitely take some time. Now they are being attacked, and police stations are under siege. How will these officers manage?”
Bangladesh currently has approximately 190,000 police personnel, according to official data.