August 12th 2024.
In a recent development, it has been reported that the protesting police officers in Bangladesh have decided to end their strike. This decision came after the interim government made assurances to fulfill most of their demands. According to media reports, the strike was declared by the Bangladesh Police Subordinate Employees Association on August 6, in the midst of widespread protests against the government's controversial quota system for jobs.
The protests had turned violent, resulting in clashes between police and students across the country. The situation escalated to the point where the government led by Sheikh Hasina resigned, and she was forced to flee to India. This led to many police personnel not returning to work out of fear, and those who did, went to their police stations in plain clothes.
However, after a meeting with the interim Home Affairs Adviser Brig Gen M Sakhawat Hussain on Sunday, the representatives of the strike announced the withdrawal of the strike. They stated that the police had been given assurances that most of their demands, listed in an 11-point list, would be met. As per the decision made in the meeting, the non-cadre police personnel who were protesting will resume their duties from Monday.
Sgt Asaduzzaman Jewel, a member of the investigation committee formed by the Inspector-general of police, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting. He shared that after receiving assurances from the home affairs advisor, they will now wear their uniforms and return to work. In response, interim Home Affairs Adviser Sakhawat stated that those responsible for ordering excessive force will be held accountable, and an investigation will be conducted.
He also expressed his personal opinion that there should be a police commission to ensure that the police function independently, without any political interference. He added that the police uniform and logo will also be changed in the near future. Sakhawat acknowledged the heavy hearts of the police officers after the recent events and stated that they do not want to go out in their current uniforms.
The protesting police officers had demanded justice for the attacks on police establishments and a one-time financial compensation for the families of the deceased officers. They also demanded transparency in police recruitment, among other things. In a statement, newly-appointed Inspector General of Police Md Mainul Islam shared that at least 42 police officers were killed and many more injured in the recent clashes. He also stated that over 500 police personnel were injured and received treatment in the hospital, with some still undergoing treatment.
The incidents of violence that erupted in Bangladesh following the fall of the Hasina government have claimed the lives of over 230 people. This brings the death toll to 560 since the anti-quota protests began in mid-July. It is hoped that with the end of the strike and the government's assurance to meet most of the demands, the situation in Bangladesh will stabilize and peace will be restored.
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