Industrial Police (Bangladesh)

Industrial Police is a specialized unit of Bangladesh Police responsible for providing security in Industrial zones of Bangladesh.[1][2] Shafiqul Islam is the Present Chief of the Industrial Police.[3]

Industrial Police (Bangladesh)
বাংলাদেশ শিল্পাঞ্চল পুলিশ
Agency overview
Formed2010
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionBangladesh
General nature
Operational structure
HeadquartersSector - 4, House -3, Road-15 Uttara Dhaka
Agency executive
  • Shafiqul Islam BPM Bar, PPM, Additional Inspector General
Website
https://industrialpolice.gov.bd

History edit

In 2009, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced plans for the formation of an Industrial Police in the Parliament. The Initial proposal was turned down by the Ministry of Finance which recommended strengthening local police or using Bangladesh Ansar.[4][5] Industrial Police was established on 4 October 2010 to protect Industrial zones in Dhaka, Chittagong, Narayanganj, and Gazipur. The force started with 5000 personal deputed from Bangladesh Police and provided special training at the Police Staff College.[6] The formation of the Industrial police resulted in mixed reactions with owners being optimistic while workers were more cautious.[7][8]

The Industrial police is used to quell labor unrest in the garment industry of Bangladesh.[9][10][11] The Unit is led by a Director General from Bangladesh Police.[12] In 2015, Industrial police officer was assassinated at a police check-post in Ashulia by suspected Islamist terrorists.[13][14]

Controversy edit

In November 2017, three police officers of the unit were arrested for abducting a pedestrian for ransom. The abductors were led by assistant sub-inspector Mokbul Hossen of the Dhaka unit.[15]

The United has faced accusations of having too close ties with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association. The association is reported to have donated vehicles to the unit. The workers having accused the unit of siding with garment factory owners in industrial disputes.[16]

References edit

  1. ^ "Industrial Police taking shape". The Daily Star. 14 January 2010. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  2. ^ "Resolve anarchy in industrial sector with sincerity: Sahara". The Daily Star. 5 December 2010. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  3. ^ "Welcome to Official Site of Industrial Police". industrialpolice.gov.bd. Archived from the original on 12 April 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  4. ^ "Finance says no to industrial police". The Daily Star. 22 August 2009. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  5. ^ "Industrial police". The Daily Star. 16 July 2009. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  6. ^ "Industrial police launched". The Daily Star. 4 October 2010. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  7. ^ "Mixed reactions over industrial police". The Daily Star. 6 October 2010. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  8. ^ "Industrial police force - a good idea". The Daily Star. 28 April 2009. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  9. ^ "Cops foil garment workers' demo in Savar". The Daily Star. 7 January 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  10. ^ "20 RMG units shut in Gazipur". The Daily Star. 31 October 2013. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  11. ^ "60 apparel units remain shut amid workers' protest". The Daily Star. 14 December 2018. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  12. ^ "9 DIGs transferred". The Daily Star. 3 April 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  13. ^ "Bangladesh: Suspected Islamists Kill Policeman". BenarNews. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  14. ^ "Cop hacked to death in Savar". The Daily Star. 5 November 2015. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  15. ^ "ASI, 3 others held over abduction". The Daily Star. 9 November 2017. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  16. ^ Yardley, Jim (24 July 2013). "Garment Trade Wields Power in Bangladesh". The New York Times. Retrieved 12 April 2019.