Summary:
- Bangladesh revoked prestigious Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) and President’s Police Medal (PPM) from 103 police officers, including ex-IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, for their roles in the 2018 national election.
- The order, signed by the Home Ministry’s Senior Assistant Secretary Touhseef Ahmed, cites direct involvement in the controversial 10th parliamentary polls boycotted by major opposition parties.
- The 2018 election faced allegations of vote rigging and irregularities, with ruling party candidates winning nearly all seats unopposed amid international criticism.
- This marks the first major accountability measureagainst law enforcement officials linked to the disputed elections, addressing long-standing demands for transparency.
Authorities have revoked Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) and President’s Police Medal (PPM) awards from 103 police officers, including former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, for their direct involvement in the controversial 10th national parliamentary elections held on December 30, 2018. The decision, ordered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, was announced Sunday through a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Public Security Division.
The ministry’s Senior Assistant Secretary Touhseef Ahmed signed the order, stating: “The medals awarded to the 103 officers for their service in connection with the 10th national parliament elections are hereby withdrawn as per the President’s directives.” A list of affected officers was published alongside the notification, though specific allegations against individuals remain undisclosed.
The 2018 election, boycotted by major opposition parties including the BNP, was marred by widespread allegations of vote rigging, intimidation, and irregularities. International observers and local civil society groups criticized the polls as non-competitive, with ruling Awami League candidates winning nearly all seats uncontested.
This marks the first large-scale penalty against law enforcement officials linked to the disputed election. Both BPM and PPM are prestigious service awards recognizing exceptional duty performance. The revocation follows mounting pressure from rights groups demanding accountability for alleged electoral misconduct.
No immediate responses have been issued by the former IGP or other named officers. Analysts view the move as part of ongoing efforts to address historical grievances surrounding the election, which reshaped Bangladesh’s political landscape.
