Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government, police personnel across Bangladesh have been gripped by fear and insecurity.
"Faced with the threat to their lives and seeking justice for their fallen colleagues, police officers have decided to go on strike," the Bangladesh Police Association said on Tuesday (6 August).
The release stated that following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina on 5 August, police officers across the country have been subjected to unprovoked attacks, resulting in numerous fatalities and extensive vandalism and arson at police facilities.
Nearly 450 police stations have been attacked, leading to countless deaths among officers, which the association equated to acts of terrorism.
In response to these circumstances, the association announced an indefinite nationwide strike starting on 6 August to ensure the safety of police personnel.
Efforts to contact multiple police officials at the headquarters for comments were unsuccessful. However, several officers, speaking on the condition of anonymity, explained that the Bangladesh Police operate under government directives. They highlighted that police officers have limited autonomy and are often compelled to carry out unethical orders from the government. While acknowledging that some police members have wronged the public, they emphasised that not all officers are culpable.
A senior police official stated, "The police will act according to the directives of whichever government is in power. This is the policy of the police force. The actions of the police in the past were not independently taken but were forced by the government. In future, the police will work to protect the lives and property of citizens and maintain law and order under the instructions of the incumbent government."
He further appealed to the public, saying, "We urge the people not to misunderstand us. The police are friends of the public and wish to work together with the community."
