The Bangladesh Police Service Association has recently raised a grave alarm regarding a calculated campaign of disinformation that they believe is actively undermining the morale of the nation’s law enforcement officers. In a formal statement released on August 9, signed by Dhaka District Superintendent of Police Shamima Parveen, the association highlighted that just as the force was beginning to recover from the deep instability following the events of August 5, 2024, a new and insidious threat emerged. They argue that “hidden collaborators” of previous regimes—both operating from within the ranks and from the outside—are working in tandem to sow discord. By feeding skewed and fabricated narratives to online activists and self-styled journalists, these agitators are, according to the association, intentionally creating a climate of distrust that threatens the very foundation of police operations.
The core of the association’s concern lies in the unchecked nature of modern social media discourse. They contend that misinformation is being laundered through these digital channels, where sensationalism is prioritized over accuracy or context. When unverified claims are amplified without any journalistic rigor, the result is a distorted reality that tarnishes the reputations of individuals and institutions alike. The association notes with particular concern that these attacks have evolved from targeting specific personnel to systematically undermining the credibility of senior leadership and the Inspector General of Police. By framing these stories as legitimate news or whistleblowing, the actors behind this propaganda are effectively weaponizing public opinion against the state’s primary instrument of law and order.
This systematic smear campaign is having a palpable, negative effect on the officers returning to their duties. The association emphasizes that a police force, by its very nature, is a disciplined institution that relies on a sense of stability and morale to function effectively. When officers are subjected to constant, often baseless, public slander, their enthusiasm and willingness to perform their duties are severely hampered. This creates a dangerous vacuum: at a time when the nation is striving to return to normalcy following a period of intense civil upheaval, the police are the ones tasked with safeguarding public life and property. If the morale of this force is hollowed out by malicious rumors, it is not just the police who suffer, but the entire public interest that is put at risk.
From the perspective of the Police Service Association, this is not merely a matter of individuals airing grievances or exercising their rights to free speech. They draw a clear, sharp line between responsible journalism and what they categorize as a destabilizing, politically motivated propaganda machine. They argue that the spread of systemic falsehoods for personal or political gain constitutes a direct affront to professional ethics and state interests. By framing these activities as a threat to national stability, the association is making a plea for the public to recognize the difference between holding a state institution accountable and attempting to systematically dismantle its credibility for narrow, partisan objectives.
Looking toward the broader implications, the association warns that the current trend of disinformation is inherently anti-democratic. A stable, democratic Bangladesh requires a functional and professional police force that can operate without being constantly sabotaged by internal or external actors looking to score political points. The association’s statement serves as a stern reminder that when a disciplined force is turned into a scapegoat for political agitation, the resulting instability threatens the very progress that the country hopes to achieve post-uprising. They contend that the path to a more transparent and law-abiding society is blocked when the conversation is dominated by bad-faith actors who profit from conflict and misinformation.
In light of these challenges, the Police Service Association has adopted an uncompromising stance, calling for the immediate identification and accountability of those behind these disinformation campaigns. They have formally condemned these actions and are demanding that the authorities take strict, exemplary action against any individuals—whether civilian or within the police service—who are involved in spreading fabrications. For the association, the goal is not to stifle criticism but to ensure that the integrity of the force is not eroded by those who wish to see it weakened for their own ends. By seeking legal recourse and institutional discipline, they hope to clear the air, restore the professional standing of their members, and refocus the force on its primary mission: the security and protection of the Bangladeshi people.