Women in policing

Police officers are often seen solely as agents of law enforcement, but behind the badge lies a workforce that increasingly includes women who are making significant contributions. Since 1974, when 14 women were first appointed to the Special Branch, female participation in Bangladesh Police has grown steadily. In 1976, the first uniformed female officers were recruited, and later, women began entering through the Bangladesh Civil Service Examination.
According to recent data from Police Headquarters, there are currently 17,276 women serving in various capacities. These include 14,021 constables, 399 Nayeks, 1,344 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI), 980 Sub-Inspectors (SI), 93 sergeants, 130 inspectors, and 309 officers in ASP and investigative roles.
Despite this progress, many female officers face challenges balancing demanding workloads with family responsibilities, especially when shifts extend beyond 12 hours. Many express a strong desire for equitable treatment, seeking assignments beyond administrative duties and opportunities to handle serious cases. While senior officers are generally supportive, issues of inappropriate behaviour from subordinates and instances of sexual harassment have been reported.
Female officers play a vital role in promoting gender equality and public trust in the force. For this reason, there is a pressing need to improve working conditions, ensure fair distribution of duties, and foster a workplace environment that is respectful and free from harassment. Recruiting more women into the force, alongside reforms to support their advancement, will enhance both the effectiveness and the inclusivity of policing in Bangladesh.

Md Tousif Raihan
Student, Department of Criminology and Police Science
University of Chittagong