Widespread frustration has gripped the police force over chaotic promotions and controversial postings following the July uprising, disrupting the chain of command and affecting policing nationwide.

Senior officers warn that if the issue remains unresolved, dissatisfaction could intensify — potentially worsening the fragile law and order situation ahead of the national election expected in mid-February.

A senior police official, requesting anonymity, told BD-Report, “Some officers who were sidelined under the previous Awami League government suddenly jumped two to three ranks in promotion, while many deserving ones were overlooked by the current administration.”

He added that the same disorder prevails in field postings, where inexperienced officers have been placed in key positions, sidelining those with proven track records. “Most of them lack the basic knowledge required for routine duties,” he said.

Multiple sources at the Police Headquarters confirmed that the force is now divided, as fierce competition for promotions and lucrative postings has created political camps within the department.

“The competition is mainly between politically aligned officers — they identify themselves as either BNP or Jamaat supporters,” said an officer based at the headquarters.

After the fall of the Awami League government, BNP-leaning officers reportedly took control of top positions. “But the current IGP tried to restore neutrality, reshuffling key positions to balance the force,” he added.

However, his efforts have met resistance. “The IGP, who retired nearly a decade ago and has returned to lead the force, appears politically neutral — and that neutrality itself has become a problem,” the officer observed. “Neither the politically inclined, the opportunists, nor the deprived groups stand fully with him.”

Rift Among Inspectors Over OC Postings

At the mid-level, several hundred police inspectors have voiced deep frustration over not being appointed as officers-in-charge (OCs) of police stations, despite long years of service. Many allege they have been denied promotion for more than a decade.

Since the political transition in August 2024, some former OCs have regained their posts in Dhaka, while others remain without postings, fueling resentment. The dispute over promotions and transfers has now split the Bangladesh Police Association (BPA) into two rival factions, intensifying internal conflict within the force.

Sources say around 300 inspectors are still awaiting OC postings, even after being promoted years ago. An unwritten rule that barred inspectors aged 54 or above from becoming OCs was briefly lifted after the political shift but has reportedly been reinstated — reigniting allegations of discrimination.

IGP Defends Policy, Downplays Division

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam dismissed claims of disorder, telling BD-Report, “There are about 8,000 inspectors but only 639 OCs — everyone cannot hold the same post. Posting depends on merit and past performance. With the election ahead, this is not the time for experiments. My focus is on control, not reshuffling.”

He also distanced himself from the BPA feud: “Their association activities are personal, not official. I have nothing to do with their internal disputes.”

BPA President Inspector Mozammel Haque, however, said frustration among inspectors has reached an alarming level. “Some have been waiting 16 years for an OC posting. Many are not getting promoted, and even the new uniform design has sparked criticism. Morale is dropping; some are thinking of quitting,” he said.

Countering him, another faction leader, Inspector Kamrul Islam Jewel, defended the current policy. “Postings are based on performance review. Those involved in controversial duties during the last election have been excluded — not for political reasons but for accountability.”

DMP Postings: A Snapshot

Recent reshuffles include Mohammad Ayub (Kadamtali), Mahmudur Rahman (Demra), Kamruzzaman (Jatrabari), and Aminul Islam (Kamrangirchar). Others serving as OCs include Rahim Mollah (Uttara West), Golam Mostafa (Uttara East), Abdur Rouf (Wari), Hafizur Rahman (Gulshan), Rafik Ahmed (Mohammadpur), Sajjad Roman (Mirpur), and Monirul Islam (Turag).

Several of them previously served in districts including Khulna, Satkhira, Sirajganj, Munshiganj, and Chapainawabganj.

According to senior officials, the growing internal division and frustration among inspectors have drawn serious attention at Police Headquarters, as it threatens the discipline and morale of the entire force in the run-up to the national polls.