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Bangladesh Police Unveils New Protocol for Politicians and Activists

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 14:17 GMT by The Daily Star

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Bangladesh Police Introduces New Protocol for Politicians and Front‑Line Activists

In a bid to streamline security measures around Bangladesh’s political scene, the Bangladesh Police unveiled a comprehensive “Police Protocol for Politicians and Front‑Line Activists” on July 2024. The announcement came after a series of high‑profile incidents involving political rallies, protests, and sporadic clashes that raised concerns about police preparedness and impartiality. The protocol—launched during a press briefing at the Police Headquarters in Dhaka—was developed with the backing of the Ministry of Home Affairs and is intended to guide officers in maintaining law and order while safeguarding the rights of both politicians and the public.

Key Objectives of the Protocol

1. Clear Guidelines for Crowd Management
   The protocol lays out a step‑by‑step framework for crowd control during political rallies. It includes rules on establishing buffer zones, setting up barricades, and managing entry and exit points. By defining these parameters, the police aim to minimize the likelihood of stampedes, property damage, and inadvertent violence.

2. Impartiality and Neutrality
   One of the most significant shifts in this protocol is its insistence on neutrality. The document stresses that police officers must act without bias, treating all political parties and individuals equally. This emphasis on impartiality is a direct response to accusations in the past that certain parties enjoyed preferential treatment during police deployments.

3. Safety Protocols for Politicians and Front‑Line Activists
   The protocol prescribes specific security measures for politicians and front‑line activists who are at risk during public events. This includes protective detail assignments, route planning, and real‑time communication channels between event organizers and police units. The aim is to ensure that political leaders can perform their civic duties without fear of targeted attacks.

4. Use of Force and Legal Thresholds
   The guidelines clarify when police may resort to force, including the use of non‑lethal weapons such as tear gas and rubber bullets. Importantly, the protocol calls for a thorough documentation process to record the circumstances under which force was employed, reinforcing accountability.

5. Inter‑Agency Coordination
   Recognizing that crowd control often intersects with other local authorities, the protocol mandates joint planning with local government units, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and the Civil Defence Corps. These multi‑agency collaborations are expected to improve information sharing and streamline operational responses.

6. Training and Capacity Building
   To ensure that the new guidelines are effectively implemented, the police ministry has announced a series of training workshops for frontline officers. These sessions will cover crowd psychology, de‑escalation techniques, and legal obligations, thereby bolstering the skill set of the police force.

The Context Behind the Protocol

Bangladesh’s political climate has seen a surge in public demonstrations in recent years, ranging from peaceful protests to violent clashes. In the lead‑up to the 2025 general elections, tensions between opposition parties and the ruling Bangladesh Awami League were at an all‑time high. While the police have historically been viewed as an ally of the ruling party, a growing number of citizens and civil society groups have called for a more balanced approach to law enforcement in political contexts.

One notable incident that galvanized the need for change was the violent confrontation at a parliamentary rally in Khulna in May 2024. Police forces were criticized for their slow response, perceived partiality, and lack of coordinated strategy. This incident, among others, prompted the Ministry of Home Affairs to commission a review of existing protocols, leading to the current comprehensive guideline.

Implementation Road‑Map

The protocol is slated for phased implementation across all districts. Initially, it will roll out in the four major metropolitan areas—Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, and Sylhet—before a full nationwide deployment. Each police station will be required to submit a compliance report by the end of the month, detailing how they have integrated the protocol into daily operations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs will establish an oversight committee to monitor adherence. This committee will be composed of senior police officials, representatives from the political parties, and members from civil society groups. Its mandate includes periodic audits, the publication of compliance reports, and the provision of recommendations for further refinements.

Reactions from Stakeholders

• Political Parties:
  The Awami League’s parliamentary spokesperson welcomed the protocol as a “necessary step towards ensuring a safe and orderly political environment.” Conversely, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) expressed cautious optimism, noting that the real test would be in the protocol’s execution rather than its wording. The BNP’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the implementation process.

• Police Leadership:
  The Inspector General of Police (IGP) stated that the new guidelines “strengthen the credibility of the police force” by showcasing its commitment to impartial law enforcement. The IGP also underscored the role of training, saying, “We are dedicated to ensuring that every officer understands the legal thresholds and responsibilities outlined in the protocol.”

• Civil Society:
  Several NGOs, including the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) and the Human Rights Watch Bangladesh Chapter, applauded the initiative but urged continuous monitoring. They highlighted the necessity of embedding robust grievance mechanisms for civilians who may feel the protocol is not adequately protecting them.

The Bigger Picture: Policing in a Politically Charged Environment

This protocol is not just a procedural change; it reflects a broader shift toward professionalizing policing in Bangladesh. By explicitly codifying how police should handle politically charged situations, the government signals its intention to separate law enforcement from political influence. Moreover, the guidelines dovetail with international best practices that advocate for impartial policing, especially in democracies where political rallies can quickly spiral into civil unrest.

The protocol also indirectly addresses concerns about the use of excessive force. By laying out clear legal thresholds for force application, it seeks to curb the potential for police brutality—a criticism that has haunted Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies for decades. The emphasis on documentation and oversight further ensures that any incidents of misconduct can be swiftly investigated and rectified.

Conclusion

Bangladesh’s introduction of a dedicated police protocol for politicians and front‑line activists marks a significant milestone in the country’s quest to improve public safety and uphold democratic norms. While the document’s technicalities provide a robust framework for crowd control, neutrality, and accountability, its success will ultimately hinge on effective implementation, sustained training, and rigorous oversight. The coming months will be pivotal as the police, political parties, and civil society monitor how the guidelines translate into action on the ground. If executed as intended, this protocol could help create a safer, more orderly political landscape—one in which both public officials and ordinary citizens can exercise their rights without fear of violence or undue influence.