by Abu Hena Russell (Dhaka Bureau)
In an unprecedented move in the history of Bangladesh’s law enforcement, the scheduled ceremony for the prestigious ‘Bangladesh Police Medal’ (BPM) and ‘President Police Medal’ (PPM) was postponed on the opening day of Police Week. Although administrative reasons are being cited for the delay, it is widely believed that intense internal discontent and controversy regarding the past roles of those on the award list are the primary drivers behind this decision.
While the colorful inauguration of Police Week-2026 took place at Rajarbagh in the capital on Sunday (May 10), the long-awaited medal ceremony was conspicuously absent. This is despite 109 nominated officers participating in final rehearsals until Saturday night. Never before in the country’s history- even during the extreme crises of war or pandemics- has this award ceremony been suspended.
A scene from the police welfare meeting with the Prime Minister at the Police Hall on Sunday afternoon during the Police Week celebrations. Photo- Bangladesh Police.
A press release from Police Headquarters stated that the notification for the awards could not be issued due to ‘ongoing administrative and procedural activities.’ However, behind-the-scenes reports suggest a different story.
Interviews with hopeful and passed-over officers reveal that intense dissatisfaction erupted within the force once the names on this year’s list became public. The allegations include:
* Legacy Political Influence: Names of beneficiaries or politically aligned officers from the previous government were reportedly included in the list again.
* Professionalism vs. Influence: Allegations have surfaced that, instead of officers who took risks in the field, many secured nominations through administrative clout.
* Controversial Pasts: The list reportedly included officers accused in the past of controversial operations or sensitive incidents involving human rights violations.
A deprived official of DIG rank expressed his frustration, saying, ‘If the dignity of the award is questioned, it destroys the moral fortitude of the entire force. We are waiting for a transparent and merit-based evaluation system.’
Analysts believe that the new democratic government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is unwilling to bear the burden of controversy at its outset. Particularly as the government pledges ‘fascism-free’ policing, awarding medals based on controversial backgrounds or party loyalty could have negatively impacted the government’s reform process.
While the President’s absence from the country was cited as a reason for not obtaining approval, insiders believe the real driving force behind the postponement is the need to maintain internal balance and initiate a ‘cleansing’ of the list.
Pressenza has always advocated for institutional transparency and non-violent governance. This internal debate within the Bangladesh Police Force hints at a broader reform. The medals may be awarded at any time of the year following a fresh verification process.
Nevertheless, this postponement sends a powerful message to the force. From now on, state recognition will not be a reward for loyalty, but a reflection of professionalism and respect for human rights. Whether this step by Bangladesh will serve as a precedent for security forces in other South Asian countries remains to be seen.
##########
The Author:
Abu Hena Rasel: Senior journalist and Contributor, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
