According to media reports on Monday, police officers in Bangladesh who were protesting have decided to end their strike following assurances from the interim government that it would address the majority of their demands.
The nationwide protests against Sheikh Hasina’s administration over a contentious job quota system erupted into skirmishes between police and students, which prompted the Bangladesh Police Subordinate Employees Association (BPSEA) to launch a nationwide strike on August 6.
The administration led by Hasina’s Awami League was toppled due to escalating conflicts, compelling her to seek refuge in India. In the aftermath of the government’s collapse, many police officers fled to ensure their safety, while those who chose to return to duty did so in civilian attire. According to the Dhaka Tribune, the delegates participating in the strike declared its cessation after a discussion with interim Home Affairs Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain on Sunday.
It was reported that the police had been given assurances that the majority of the requests outlined in their 11-point list would be addressed. Following the meeting, it was determined that the protesting non-cadre police personnel would resume their duties starting Monday, according to the bdnews24.com news portal. Sgt Asaduzzaman Jewel, a member of an investigation committee established by the Inspector-General of Police, stated, “After our discussion with the home affairs advisor, we received guarantees, and we will don our uniforms and return to work on Monday.”
Police officers in Bangladesh have decided to end their strike following assurances from the interim government that most of their demands will be addressed, as reported by media outlets on Monday. The Bangladesh Police Subordinate Employees Association (BPSEA) initiated the strike on August 6, in response to violent confrontations between police and students during extensive protests against Sheikh Hasina’s administration regarding a contentious job quota system. These confrontations resulted in the collapse of Hasina’s Awami League-led government, prompting her to seek refuge in India. Many police officers refrained from returning to their duties due to safety concerns after the government’s downfall, while those who did report back often did so in civilian attire. The announcement to terminate the strike was made by representatives after a discussion with the interim Home Affairs Adviser, Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain, on Sunday, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.
They indicated that the police had received commitments that the majority of their 11-point demand list would be fulfilled. Following the meeting, it was agreed that the protesting non-cadre police personnel would resume their duties starting Monday, according to the bdnews24.com news portal. “After our meeting with the home affairs adviser, we received the necessary assurances, and we will don our uniforms and return to work on Monday,” stated Sgt Asaduzzaman Jewel, a member of an investigative committee established by the Inspector-General of Police. Interim Home Affairs Adviser Sakhawat remarked that those responsible for the excessive use of force were at the political level, assuring that no offenders would escape accountability.
He also mentioned that an investigation would be initiated. “I believe a police commission should be established. The police should operate under this commission rather than under any political party, as political entities often exploit the police,” he was quoted as saying by The Daily Star. “The police uniform and insignia will be revised as soon as possible. The officers are burdened with sorrow and do not wish to…”
