The police force in Bangladesh has 13 primary operational units, excluding district, metropolitan, training, and reserve units. Nearly half of these units were established during the previous tenure of the Awami League government. However, these units have yet to play an effective role in combating crime. Their activities largely revolve around seizing illegal fishing nets and narcotics. Experts and insiders believe that these additional units were formed as avenues for financial gain for political leaders. They also emphasize the need for evaluating these units alongside broader police reforms.

According to police headquarters, the force has 13 core operational units, including the headquarters, Special Branch (SB), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), Police Telecom, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Police Staff College, Tourist Police, River Police, Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU), Bangladesh Police Liberation War Museum, and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) unit. Additionally, the force comprises 64 district police units, six training centers, 30 in-service training centers, 20 Armed Police Battalion units, and seven Reserve Force units. There are also eight range offices, eight metropolitan units, nine highway units, seven railway units, nine industrial police units, and specialized units such as the Police Special Training School (PSTS). In total, the Bangladesh police operate 170 units, with the 13 core units bringing the total to 183.

Out of the 13 operational units, six were formed during the Awami League’s tenure after 2010. These include the PBI, Tourist Police, River Police, ATU, Bangladesh Police Liberation War Museum, and the MRT unit. For instance, the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) was established in 2011 under a Home Ministry order based on a provision of the Police Act. It began operations in September 2012 as a modern and impartial investigative agency. However, this unit has faced allegations of serving political purposes, particularly in investigating politically motivated cases and suppressing dissent.

The River Police, launched on November 12 of 2013, to ensure riverine security, has yet to demonstrate significant contributions to crime prevention. Its activities remain largely limited to confiscating illegal fishing nets.

Similarly, the Tourist Police, established in 2013, is tasked with ensuring tourist safety and investigating crimes against tourists. It operates across 11 regions, 30 districts, and 39 zones, covering 102 tourist sites through 64 offices.

The Industrial Police began operations on October 31 of 2010, to maintain law and order in industrial zones and gather intelligence to prevent labor unrest. However, this unit has faced criticism for siding with industrial owners and allegedly suppressing workers.

The Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) was formed on September 19 of 2017, in response to rising militant activities. While it has conducted several anti-militancy operations, many question their legitimacy. Some even allege that these operations were staged to suppress dissent against the Awami League government.

Additionally, the government approved the formation of a specialized Metro Police unit on May 24 of last year, to ensure the security of metro rail operations. This unit, currently comprising 537 personnel, operates under the leadership of a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and deploys 11 officers at each station in three shifts.

Experts argue that the rapid establishment of six units within a short period reflects political interference in the police force. They believe these units were tools for promotion and recruitment-based financial dealings. Despite the creation of numerous units, their impact remains largely negligible in their respective areas. However, police headquarters attribute the formation of these units to policy decisions made at the highest levels of government.

Regarding these specialized units, AIG (Media) Enamul Haque Sagor told Bonik Barta, “The specialized units have the necessary manpower and equipment. These units are regularly performing their assigned duties in their respective jurisdictions.”