— Md. Kamal Uddin:
Some leadership does not merely perform a responsibility; it gives birth to new dreams within that responsibility. Some people do not simply lead a force; rather, they ignite courage, confidence, and professionalism in the hearts of their colleagues. Additional Inspector General Hasib Aziz, the head of APBn, is such a name of leadership and expectation.
A police uniform is not merely a piece of clothing—it is a commitment to people’s safety, a responsibility toward the state, and a symbol of the courage to stand beside people in times of danger. The stronger the morale of every member wearing that uniform, the stronger the wall of public security will be.
Under the leadership of Hasib Aziz, may every member of APBn carry the belief that we are not merely law enforcement officers; we are guardians of people’s trust, security, and hope.
Storms will come, crises will arise, and difficult responsibilities will emerge. But a trained, disciplined, and united police officer never retreats from duty. Because their strength lies not only in weapons—it lies in courage, discipline, honesty, humanity, and unwavering allegiance to the law.
Therefore, respect to every member of APBn. The security watch you maintain through sleepless nights may not always be visible, but a safe morning, a peaceful city, and a secure family all bear the reflection of your silent sacrifice.
The Armed Police Battalions—APBn—is an important specialized force in Bangladesh’s law enforcement and internal security system. Beyond general policing, when there is a need to deal with armed criminals, illegal weapons and ammunition, security of important installations, VIP security, law and order in industrial areas, large public gatherings, or situations requiring rapid and organized response, the importance of APBn becomes particularly evident.
According to official information from Bangladesh Police, APBn began its journey in 1975, and its legal framework was established under The Armed Police Battalions Ordinance, 1979 and the Armed Police Battalion Rules, 1991. The primary objectives of the force include maintaining internal security, suppressing armed criminal groups, recovering illegal weapons and explosives, and assisting other law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order.
Currently, according to official information from Bangladesh Police, APBn has 11 battalions and two battalions under the Special Security and Protection Battalion.
Bangladesh Police
Throughout this long journey, APBn has now come under renewed discussion regarding its capabilities, modernization, technological advancement, and future role. And at this very moment, Additional Inspector General Hasib Aziz, BPM, is leading APBn. Therefore, the expectation that he will transform APBn into a more efficient, modern, and professional force is not unfounded.
Hasib Aziz Faces a Major Responsibility
Being the head of a specialized force is not merely an administrative responsibility; it is also an opportunity to implement a long-term security vision.
Therefore, the question before Hasib Aziz is not simply—how will APBn perform today’s responsibilities?
The bigger question is—
Where do we want to see APBn in the security landscape of Bangladesh 10 years from now?
Because the nature of crime has changed. Criminals no longer simply take weapons to the streets. Crime is now connected with technology, online communication, digital financial transactions, cybercrime, modern smuggling, inter-district criminal networks, and international networks.
Therefore, the reality of 2026 is far more complex than the reality for which the legal framework of APBn was created in 1979.
The law can provide the foundation; but capabilities must be modernized with time.
A Strong Legal Foundation—Now Capability Expansion Is Needed
The legal foundation of APBn is not weak. The 1979 Ordinance defines the objectives and responsibilities of the force. According to the official website of Bangladesh Police, APBn’s responsibilities include internal security, recovery of illegal weapons and ammunition, arresting armed criminals, and assisting other law enforcement agencies.
Bangladesh Police
One point is particularly noteworthy here. The strength of APBn lies not only in its weapons—it lies in its organization, training, discipline, rapid deployability, and ability to perform specialized responsibilities.
Therefore, strengthening the force does not simply mean purchasing weapons. It means—
People
Training
Technology
Intelligence capability
Communication
Modern equipment
Legal clarity
Accountability
The APBn of the future must stand on these eight pillars.
First Proposal to the Government: A 10-Year Modernization Plan for APBn
In my view, the government could adopt a 10-year Master Modernisation Plan for APBn.
Under this plan, the following could be gradually ensured:
- New and modern equipment
- Improved protective clothing and personal protective equipment
- Modern communication systems
- Fast and specialized vehicles
- Advanced command and control systems
- Drones and lawful surveillance technology
- Digital mapping
- Modern training infrastructure
- Disaster and emergency response equipment
- Digital forensic support
This would increase the force’s operational capabilities while also reducing the tendency to purchase equipment in an unplanned manner over the long term.
Second Proposal: A Modern APBn Training & Research Institute
An international-standard Training, Research & Doctrine Centre could be established for APBn.
Training subjects could include:
- Law and criminal procedure
- Human rights
- Public order management
- Counter-terrorism and armed crime response
- Hostage situation management
- Security during disasters
- Cyber awareness
- Digital evidence preservation
- Modern intelligence analysis
- Leadership skills
One of the most important components of training could be a Use of Force Doctrine—clear and regular training on when, under what circumstances, and to what extent lawful force may be used.
This would strengthen the force while reducing the risk of unnecessary use of force.
Third Proposal: Technology-Driven APBn
In today’s fight against crime, technology is not a luxury—it is a necessity.
The establishment of a specialized Technology & Intelligence Support Wing within APBn could be considered.
Its responsibilities could include:
- Lawful analysis of crime trends
- Identification of high-risk areas
- Assistance in crime data analysis
- Support for digital evidence management
- Analysis of criminal network patterns
- Information sharing with other police units
However, the use of technology must always remain within the boundaries of the Constitution, existing laws, court directives, and citizens’ fundamental rights.
Because modern policing does not mean simply more surveillance; it means smarter, more targeted, and lawful policing.
Fourth Proposal: Rapid Response Specialized Units
Rapidly deployable units are extremely important when dealing with major armed crimes, security crises at important installations, or sudden major law-and-order situations.
Within the existing structure of APBn, more trained Rapid Response Teams could be created as necessary.
They could receive regular drills, integrated training, and modern communication systems.
However, the scope and powers of these units should be clearly defined through law and government directives.
Special Importance of APBn for Chattogram
As a resident of Chattogram, 9 APBn is particularly important to me.
According to official information from Bangladesh Police, 9 APBn is stationed in Chattogram. Its responsibilities include important security duties, assisting Chattogram Metropolitan Police and other units in maintaining law and order, and supporting security operations in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.
Bangladesh Police
Chattogram is not only the second-largest city in Bangladesh; it is also a strategic region combining the seaport, industries, commerce, tourism, hills, and sea.
Considering the economic importance of Chattogram Port, industrial zones, important installations, tourist destinations, and the geographical realities of the Chattogram Hill Tracts, the need for a strong specialized police unit in this region cannot be denied.
Strengthening APBn’s capabilities here is connected not only to the security of Chattogram but also to the national economy and national security.
APBn’s Role in Industrial Areas Needs to Be Strengthened
The example of APBn’s 7th Battalion is important here.
According to Bangladesh Police, this unit was assigned significant responsibilities in industrial areas due to the need to address labor unrest and law-and-order situations.
Bangladesh Police
A significant portion of Bangladesh’s economy is industry- and export-oriented. Therefore, when law and order deteriorate in industrial areas, the impact is not limited to a single factory—it affects production, exports, workers’ lives, investment, and the national economy.
Therefore, APBn’s responsibilities in industrial areas could be strengthened through modern training, conflict-resolution skills, and greater public engagement.
APBn Needs More Personnel—but With Skill
Considering current security demands, the possibility of increasing manpower and creating new battalions where necessary should be seriously considered.
But simply increasing numbers is not enough.
Every new member must be:
Trained, physically capable, technologically knowledgeable, legally aware, and committed to humanitarian values.
An efficient APBn member must know:
- When to conduct an operation
- When to control a situation
- When to negotiate
- When to hand over responsibility to another unit
This is modern specialized policing.
Member Welfare Must Be Part of Modernization
If a member of a force remains under prolonged mental stress, inadequate housing, irregular rest, or family-related difficulties, it is difficult to expect the highest level of professionalism from them.
Therefore, APBn’s modernization plan could include:
- Improved barracks
- Modern medical care
- Family welfare
- Mental health support
- Adequate rest
- Post-training rehabilitation
- Educational opportunities for members’ children
When a member’s family is secure, the member can focus more effectively on their responsibilities.
A “People-Centred APBn” Under Hasib Aziz’s Leadership
Another important aspect of APBn’s modernization could be greater public engagement.
People should not see APBn merely as an armed force; rather, they should see it as a partner in security.
For this purpose, the following could be increased:
- Community awareness
- Security awareness in schools and colleges
- Anti-drug campaigns
- Humanitarian assistance during disasters
- Women and child safety awareness
- Responsible communication through social media
This would reduce the distance between APBn and the public.
If Legal Powers Are Expanded, One Thing Must Be Remembered
I would especially like to make one point here.
The demand to strengthen APBn does not mean demanding unlimited powers.
Rather, what is needed is legally clear authority.
It should be clear:
- In which situations APBn will take action independently
- In which situations it will assist district police
- In which situations it will coordinate with investigative agencies
- In which situations cases and investigations will proceed through the relevant police station
This would reduce legal confusion among field-level members and make the responsibilities and powers of the force clearer to the public.
Accountability Will Be the Second Name of Strength
As APBn’s authority and capabilities increase, accountability must increase as well.
I believe a modern APBn should be guided by five principles:
Law — Every operation must be based on law.
Discipline — Every member must operate within the chain of command.
Professionalism — Not personal emotion, but training and protocol.
Humanity — Criminals will be dealt with, but innocent people must not be harassed.
Accountability — Every exercise of power should have reasonable documentation and oversight.
This could become the ideal of a modern APBn.
Expectations from Hasib Aziz
My personal expectation from Hasib Aziz as the head of APBn is that he will not limit the force to its traditional responsibilities, but instead develop a roadmap for a modern specialized police force keeping the Bangladesh of tomorrow in mind.
Under his leadership, an “APBn Vision 2035” could be developed.
It should clearly outline:
What should APBn look like in 2030?
What should it look like in 2035?
How much manpower will be required?
How many new battalions will be needed?
Which regions require new units?
What technologies will be required?
What types of training will be necessary?
What legal reforms will be required?
How will human rights and accountability be ensured?
There should be a clear roadmap for all of these issues.
A Comprehensive Proposal to the Government
The government could adopt a special “APBn Modernisation and Capacity Development Programme.”
Its five major pillars could be:
- Manpower and new battalions
- Modern weapons and equipment
- Technology and intelligence capabilities
- Training and member welfare
- Law, human rights, and accountability
If these five areas are implemented, APBn can become much better prepared to face the security challenges of the next decade.
APBn is not an additional ornament to Bangladesh’s law-and-order system; it is an important specialized capability within the state’s security framework when needed.
From the 1979 law to today’s reality, the scope and necessity of APBn’s responsibilities have changed.
Official information from Bangladesh Police also shows that the force performs diverse responsibilities, including internal security, suppression of armed crime, recovery of illegal weapons and explosives, protection of important persons and installations, and assistance to other police units.
Bangladesh Police
Therefore, the time has come to make APBn not only stronger but also more modern, professional, and accountable.
Here, the leadership of Additional Inspector General Hasib Aziz presents an important opportunity.
If he can utilize his field-level experience, administrative leadership, and responsibility for a specialized force to present a well-organized modernization proposal to the government, it could play an important role in increasing APBn’s future capabilities.
I believe—
“A strong APBn does not mean only strong weapons; it means strong training, strong technology, strong ethics, strong legal knowledge, and strong accountability.”
And at the heart of that strength must remain the security of the people and the responsibility toward the state.
Under the leadership of Hasib Aziz, may APBn become an efficient, technology-driven, humane, and trusted specialized police force at the core of the security system of a modern Bangladesh.