In a move aimed at modernising the appearance of law enforcement agencies, the government has unveiled new uniforms for the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Ansar.
After a meeting of the Law and Order Committee at the Secretariat on Monday, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that the new uniforms would feature distinct colours for each force.
"We have finalised three new uniform designs for the police, RAB and Ansar. These uniforms will be phased in gradually, with current attire being replaced over time," the adviser said.
The police will now wear iron uniforms, RAB personnel will green olive and Ansar will be dressed in golden wheat, he added.
Responding to questions from reporters, the Security Adviser assured that the uniform transition would not lead to any major financial strain. "There will be no significant budgetary issues in implementing these changes."
The decision is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the image and functionality of Bangladesh law enforcement agencies, officials said.
The government is set to procure sound grenades and teargas shells for the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), said Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (ret) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
"The BGB has always been equipped with deadly weapons, but they have not had non-lethal alternatives like sound grenades or tear gas.
On January 18, there were tensions along the Chapainawabganj border, where Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) reportedly used teargas and sound grenades. But the BGB did not have these options at their disposal," he said following a meeting at his ministry on Monday.
Bangladesh has expressed confidence that border-related issues with India will be resolved through dialogue under the framework of the existing Land Boundary Agreement between the two neighboring nations.
“Bangladesh firmly believes that any issues should be resolved through constructive dialogue under the framework of existing bilateral agreements to maintain peace along the border,” stated a message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), shared with the media this afternoon.
The foreign ministry noted that it has sought a detailed report from the relevant ministries and agencies regarding the recent developments at the Bangladesh-India border in Chapainawabganj.
Authorities at Bengali daily Bhorer Kagoj newspaper have shut down its operations due to “circumstances beyond the owner control”.
A notice regarding the decision was hung on the main gate of the newspaper Malibagh office on Monday.
"The authorities of Bhorer Kagoj have decided to shut down the head office of the organisation under Section 12 of the Bangladesh Labour Act-2006 due to circumstances beyond the owner control. This decision will take effect from January 20, 2025,” reads the notice.
Chief Reporter of the newspaper Khandaker Kawsar said employees had been protesting demanding their rights, settlement of all pending dues and financial benefits, as per the 8th Wage Board when the closure order came.