Summary:
- Bangladesh activist Umama Fatema proposes pink uniforms for police, particularly for traffic control, amid government plans to change law enforcement attire.
- The government announced new colors for police (iron-grey), RAB (olive-green), and Ansar (golden-wheat) uniforms, sparking online debate.
- Fatema’s suggestion comes as part of broader calls for police reform following the fall of the previous Awami League government.
- The timing of Fatema’s interview is unclear, leaving uncertainty about whether it occurred before or after the government’s official announcement.
In a surprising turn of events, Umama Fatema, spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has suggested pink as a potential color for police uniforms in Bangladesh. This proposal comes amid ongoing discussions about changes to law enforcement attire following recent government announcements.
On Monday, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury revealed plans to modify the uniforms of the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Ansar forces. According to the announcement, police uniforms will be iron-grey, RAB uniforms olive-green, and Ansar uniforms golden-wheat in color.
However, Fatema’s suggestion has sparked additional debate. In a video clip that has gone viral on social media, she states, “I believe pink is a great symbolic colour for uniforms. It is an eye-soothing colour.” The activist argues that pink could serve as a calming influence and potentially improve public perception of law enforcement.
Fatema acknowledges that pink might not be suitable for all police units, adding, “It does not make sense to give pink uniforms to those who make arrests. But perhaps pink could work for those managing traffic control.”
The timing of Fatema’s interview remains unclear, leaving it uncertain whether her comments were made before or after the government’s official announcement.
This discussion about police uniforms is part of a broader conversation on police reform in Bangladesh. Following the fall of the previous Awami League government, there have been increasing calls for changes within law enforcement, including modifications to their visual identity.
The government’s decision to change uniforms has elicited mixed reactions online, with citizens expressing both support and criticism for the move. Critics argue that changing uniforms alone is insufficient for meaningful police reform, while supporters see it as a symbolic step towards positive change.
As Bangladesh continues to navigate this period of transition, the debate over police uniforms highlights the complex challenges facing the nation’s law enforcement agencies and their relationship with the public.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
