Dhaka, Jan 20 (V7N) — The uniforms of Bangladesh's police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Ansar forces are set to change as part of broader reforms initiated after significant discussions following the events of August 5 last year.

Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced the decision at the conclusion of a Law and Order Committee meeting at the Secretariat on Monday.

The new uniform colours are as follows:

Police: Iron-coloured

RAB: Olive green

Ansar: Golden wheat

“These changes will be implemented in phases, gradually replacing the old uniforms,” the advisor stated.

The demand for police reform gained momentum after the fall of the Awami League government in a student uprising on August 5, 2024. Calls for uniform changes were among the reform measures proposed.

When asked about the rationale behind the new colours, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury explained, “Changing uniforms is a symbolic step to transform mindsets and make the forces more public-friendly. Training reforms will also follow to align the police force with this goal.”

In addition to uniform changes, the government has decided to procure sound grenades and tear gas for Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). This move comes in response to the use of similar non-lethal weapons by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Chapainawabganj border.

“The BGB currently relies on lethal weapons, which limits their operational flexibility. Tear gas and sound grenades will provide non-lethal alternatives to handle situations effectively,” said the Home Affairs Advisor, adding that the border situation is stable at present.

These developments mark a significant shift in the structure and operations of Bangladesh’s security forces, aiming for a more modern and community-oriented approach.

END/MSS/AJ