Concerns Mount Over Untrained ‘Auxiliary Force’ Deployed by Police Without Proper Recruitment Process

Staff Correspondent

Fresh controversy has emerged surrounding 426 recently appointed “assistant police officers” under Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). This temporarily recruited force – hired without formal job notifications – has begun field operations maintaining law and order despite receiving no training. Granted police-like powers and immunities, the move has raised public alarm while analysts warn it sets a dangerous extra-legal precedent.

DMP claims the “auxiliary force” was deployed before Eid-ul-Fitr to bolster security at shopping malls and crowded areas. Members received armbands, appointment letters and authority to exercise police powers, yet most remain unaware of their specific duties or tenure. Some report being told: “Don’t take major actions, just inform the station if anything happens.”

The development has sparked heated social media debates. Writer-analyst Sirajul Hossain compared the force’s operations to CIA tactics in a viral Facebook video post: “The CIA never arms directly. First they brainwash youth, then deploy them as revolutionaries. This auxiliary police model follows that blueprint.” He warned that arming untrained civilians threatens democratic processes.

Historical parallels exist – from Pakistan’s notorious Al-Shams/Al-Badr forces to America’s arming of Afghan mujahideen. Observers fear such auxiliary units could be politically weaponized in Bangladesh.

Key questions remain unanswered: Is this a temporary Eid measure or long-term deployment? Who oversees these personnel? Investigations reveal most appointees lack policing experience, having previously worked in private security. Many stations operate without written guidelines, relying on verbal orders.

Security analyst and former intelligence officer Aminul Haque questioned: “Who monitors this force? Who ensures accountability?” DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime & Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam defended the move, citing Section 10 of the 1976 DMP Ordinance as legal basis, stating the force would assist during deteriorating law and order.

Civil society warns that public trust in law enforcement – already fragile – suffers further when untrained outsiders assume policing roles, undermining both professionalism and democratic norms.