The Home Ministry has proposed two mega projects to strengthen the operational capacity of Bangladesh Police, seeking Tk 6,608.14 crore from the government to purchase a total of 5,830 vehicles.
The proposals have been placed before the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for consideration. A final decision is expected at an ECNEC meeting scheduled for October 25 at the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who heads the committee.
One project involves procuring operational vehicles for the police, while the other focuses on specialised vehicles. Of the proposed allocation, Tk 4,328 crore would be spent on purchasing 4,829 operational vehicles, while Tk 2,280.14 crore would go towards 1,001 specialised vehicles.
Both projects are scheduled to run from October this year through June 2029. The government would bear the entire cost of both initiatives.
The proposed procurement comes amid a significant gap between the police force’s existing vehicle fleet and its operational requirements.
Currently, 1,237 vehicles are available across the country’s 639 administrative police stations. With fewer than two vehicles per station on average and approximately 64% of the existing fleet more than a decade old, police face challenges in maintaining regular patrols, responding to emergencies and deploying personnel where they are most needed.
The proposed investment is expected to improve police mobility and operational readiness, enabling the force to respond more effectively to crime, public disorder and security threats. Specialised vehicles for law enforcement The specialised vehicle project includes plans to purchase riot-control vehicles, vehicles suitable for operating in remote and difficult terrain, mobile command centres and specialised vans for crime scene investigations.
These vehicles are expected to help police manage crowds, conduct operations in hard-to-reach areas, coordinate different units in the field and collect evidence during criminal investigations.
The modernisation plan also identifies the need to procure speedboats and locally made boats to strengthen police operations across the country’s extensive river network.
The watercraft would support river patrols, protection of key installations, counterterrorism operations and emergency rescue missions.
In addition to vehicle procurement, both projects include training to develop the skills needed to operate and maintain the new fleet. Training and maintenance provisions Under the operational vehicle project, 650 personnel would receive training in light vehicle driving and mechanics, 300 in heavy vehicle driving and mechanics, and another 50 in vehicle repair.
The specialised vehicle project provides for driving and mechanics training for 910 personnel, along with mechanics training for an additional 50.
The operational project also includes Tk 1.5 crore for equipment and machinery needed to maintain and repair vehicles.
The revised Development Project Proposal (DPP) for the operational vehicle project was reviewed at a Project Evaluation Committee meeting on October 15. Following the committee’s recommendations, overseas training was removed, and the proposal was revised to bring it into line with the regulations of the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Authority and the Finance Division.
Meanwhile, following a review by the Physical Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission, the specialised vehicle project was recommended separately for consideration by ECNEC.
Neither project has received final approval. Their implementation will depend entirely on ECNEC’s decision.
If approved, the two mega projects are expected to significantly strengthen the operational capabilities of Bangladesh Police across the country.
