Bangladesh Police Reintroduces Traditional Uniform Colours, Replacing Iron-Grey Attire

The Bangladesh government has officially reinstated the traditional colour scheme for police uniforms, replacing the iron-grey attire introduced during the previous interim administration. The decision was announced through a gazette notification issued by Police Headquarters on June 18, marking a significant shift in the appearance of the country's law enforcement personnel.

According to the notification signed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir, members serving in district police units and several other branches will now wear dark blue shirts, while personnel assigned to metropolitan police forces will be dressed in light olive shirts. Khaki trousers have been designated as the standard lower garment for officers across the force.
 

The revised uniform policy, however, will not apply to several specialized units. Members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), Specialised Police Battalion (SPBn), Special Branch (SB), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) will continue to operate under separate uniform guidelines.
 

The move comes amid ongoing discussions over police reforms that emerged following major political changes in Bangladesh in 2024. After the fall of the Awami League government in August of that year, a range of reform proposals were put forward to rebuild public confidence in law enforcement institutions. Among those proposals was a complete redesign of police uniforms.
 

As part of that reform initiative, an Advisory Council Committee on Law and Order approved the introduction of iron-grey uniforms in January 2025. The new attire was subsequently adopted and deployed in the field later that year, representing one of the most visible changes within the police force.

Despite the intention behind the redesign, the iron-grey uniform generated mixed reactions from both officers and observers. Many police personnel expressed concerns about the practicality and suitability of the new attire, arguing that it did not adequately reflect local conditions or the preferences of those required to wear it on a daily basis.

Earlier this year, the Bangladesh Police Service Association formally urged the newly elected government to review the decision. In its appeal, the association argued that the uniform change had been implemented without sufficient consultation with officers and stakeholders.

The organization also raised concerns regarding the colour and design of the iron-grey attire, claiming it was not well suited to the complexion of many officers and did not align with Bangladesh’s climate. Additionally, representatives argued that the uniform bore similarities to those worn by other security agencies, making it more difficult for the public to easily identify police officers during operations and routine duties.
 

Police officials further maintained that the traditional colour combination of dark blue and khaki had long been associated with law enforcement in Bangladesh and remained widely recognizable among citizens. Supporters of the change believe restoring the familiar appearance will strengthen public recognition of police personnel and reinforce the institutional identity of the force.

The government's decision to reverse the previous policy reflects broader efforts to reassess several administrative measures introduced during the transitional period. Officials have indicated that future reforms within the police service will place greater emphasis on consultation, operational effectiveness, and the views of personnel working on the ground.

With the gazette notification now in effect, police units across the country are expected to gradually transition to the newly approved uniforms. Authorities say the rollout will be conducted according to administrative schedules and logistical arrangements established by Police Headquarters.

The restoration of the traditional colour scheme marks another chapter in Bangladesh's ongoing law enforcement reform process, as policymakers seek to balance modernization efforts with the practical needs and institutional traditions of the country's police force.