Under the theme "My Police, My Country, Bangladesh Above All," the four-day Police Week 2026 commences today.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the event this morning (Sunday, May 10) following the annual police parade at the Rajarbagh Police Lines ground in the capital.

However, a significant change has marked the start of the force's largest annual gathering.

The distribution of the "Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM)" and the "President's Police Medal (PPM)," typically awarded for outstanding contributions, has been postponed.

Medal Ceremony Suspended Amid Controversy
According to relevant sources, 109 police officers and personnel were initially nominated for medals across various categories.

The Ministry of Home Affairs suspended the award ceremony following allegations of a lack of transparency and the inclusion of controversial names in the list provided by Police Headquarters.

Reports indicate that at least 11 of the nominees had previously received medals during the tenure of the now-banned Awami League government, with one officer reportedly having received awards twice before. These inclusions sparked internal criticism within the force.

Confirming the development, Additional IGP (Crime and Operations) Khandakar Rafiqul Islam stated, "The medals scheduled for the first day of Police Week are not being awarded for the time being. A fresh decision will be made on this matter later."

Austerity Measures and Scaled-Back Festivities
In line with the government's current austerity policy, this year’s celebrations have been scaled back. The event, which usually lasts a week, has been shortened to four days, concluding on May 13.

The number of programs and the guest list have also been reduced. Despite the condensed schedule, members of the force are expected to present several core demands to the Prime Minister during the week.

Event Highlights
President Md. Sahabuddin, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir have issued separate messages to mark the occasion.

Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Hasan Mohammad Nasher Rikabdar, is leading this year's annual parade. The itinerary includes:

• Inauguration and address by the Prime Minister.
• Inspection of the Police Nari Kalyan Samity (PUNAK) stall.
• Welfare Parade and the IGP Badge and Shield Parade.
• Conference with the Home Minister.

Sessions will also be held to review the previous year's performance and outline work plans for the coming year, with a primary focus on making policing services more people-oriented.