New police uniforms purchased at excessive cost, lab test reveals poor quality

❐ BD Digest Desk

Allegations have been raised that lab tests have found that the fabric supplied for the new police uniforms lacked the promised quality.

After the government decided to designate new clothes, the Noman Group was given the responsibility of supplying the cloth. However, the test revealed that the yarn density (GSM) and moisture absorption capacity were deficient as per the terms of the contract, police sources said.

According to those concerned, the most important element in law enforcement clothing is moisture management or moisture management. The comfort and usability of clothing depends on the ability to quickly absorb and disperse body sweat. This feature is especially important for members who are on duty for long periods of time.

Police headquarters sources said that according to the contract, the yarn density of the shirt fabric was supposed to be 205 GSM (±5). But the test found it to be 193 GSM—that is, 7 GSM less per garment. Similarly, the moisture absorption capacity was supposed to be 6-10 centimeters, but the test found it to be only 4.5 centimeters. As a result, there are allegations that the members are having to face discomfort while performing their duties for long periods.

According to the police, in a wicking test, if a piece of cloth is soaked in one centimeter of water and hung for 10 minutes, it should pull moisture up to 5-10 centimeters. However, that level is limited to 4.5 centimeters in the cloth supplied.

Textile industry insiders said that the most important thing in the case of fabric is its yarn density and moisture absorption capacity. Having 7 GSM less in the fabric means that if there were 10 shirts in one kg before, after reducing the GSM, this number will be 13. That is, there will be three more shirts. This creates opportunities for financial irregularities.

If the wicking capacity is less than 6 centimeters, the fabric fails to absorb body sweat, which is uncomfortable for members working in the field.

However, Noman Group Chairman Md. Nurul Islam denied the allegations. He claimed that the cloth was supplied after lab testing through a third party and the police accepted it only after fulfilling the tender conditions.

He claimed that some contractors who have not been able to get work are spreading confusion.

According to the Police Headquarters, the purchase of 700,000 meters of Iron TC plain fabric for members of the Metropolitan and Specialized Units from the Noman Group cost 307,999,300 taka. In addition, the purchase of 175,000 meters of TC twill combat fabric cost 83,999,800 taka.

A sum of Tk 393.719 crore was spent on procuring 10.20 lakh meters of coffee TC twill fabric for the district police. At the same time, another 5 lakh meters of coffee TC twill fabric was purchased for the metropolitan and specialized members at a cost of Tk 192.999 thousand 500.

Responsible officials said that many members are angry about the uniforms, which are purchased at high prices and are uncomfortable. Complaints have already started coming in. Even the Police Service Association has demanded a change in the uniforms. Preparations are underway to present the matter to the government after collecting the opinions of various units.

Assistant Inspector General (Media and Public Relations) of the Police Headquarters, AHM Shahadat Hossain, said that the uniform of the police is determined by the government. If there is a complaint, it will be presented to the government in a procedural manner and further action will be taken as per the government’s decision.

Meanwhile, Dr. Touhidul Haque, associate professor and criminologist at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, Dhaka University, said that the necessary criteria and practical aspects have not been properly considered in determining the police uniform.

He believes that such complications can be avoided if features and quality are ensured.