The Bangladesh government plans to acquire 5,830 vehicles to bolster the capacity of the Bangladesh Police, according to proposals reviewed by the Planning Commission. The procurement comprises two distinct projects: one targeting 4,829 operational vehicles with a budget of Tk 4,328.92 crore, and another for 1,001 specialized vehicles allocated Tk 2,280.14 crore. Both projects are expected to be presented to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) for final approval at its scheduled meeting on October 25.
Currently, police stations across the country have only 1,237 vehicles, with nearly two-thirds—64 percent—being over a decade old, a factor that limits effective patrols, investigations, and emergency responses. The shortage was exacerbated during the July-August 2024 mass uprising, when 1,074 police vehicles were damaged, including 455 set on fire, according to records from Police Headquarters. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed acknowledged the disruption this caused to law enforcement activities during a parliamentary session in March 2026 and stated that the government was working to restore policing capabilities.
Beyond simply replacing damaged units, the proposed acquisitions seek to address ongoing operational deficits and enhance specialized policing functions. Under the plan, the Bangladesh Police will implement the vehicle procurement between October 2026 and June 2029, with full government funding.
Each police station typically covers multiple unions or wards and ideally requires four to five pickup or patrol vehicles to maintain coverage across different areas simultaneously. However, many stations currently have only one or two vehicles, which limits the ability to deploy multiple teams without leaving other areas vulnerable. Assistant Inspector General Kamarum Munira noted that the procurement aims to resolve the transportation shortfall and support a range of police operations.
The operational vehicle project is intended to improve mobility for routine patrols, anti-crime and anti-narcotics activities, arrests, and emergency response. The proposal also emphasizes the necessity of additional vehicles during national elections and large-scale events requiring broad deployment of forces.
The specialized vehicle project focuses on riot control, criminal investigations, and operations in challenging terrains. It includes vehicles equipped for crowd management, all-terrain transport for remote areas, mobile command centers with advanced communication technology, and crime scene vans designed to facilitate timely evidence collection and suspect identification. The plan incorporates watercraft for patrol and rescue operations in Bangladesh’s numerous riverine zones.
Bangladesh Police operate 639 administrative police stations, along with 24 railway and 73 highway police stations. The operational vehicle project also dedicates Tk 15 crore to acquire vehicle repair equipment and tools, complemented by training programs for hundreds of personnel in driving, mechanical skills, and vehicle maintenance.
During a review on October 15, the Planning Commission’s project evaluation committee recommended ensuring accurate cost estimations, adherence to procurement regulations, sustainable maintenance plans, and detailed assessment of the current vehicle fleet’s condition. Following these recommendations, the commission endorsed the projects for Ecnec approval, highlighting their potential to alleviate transport shortages, enhance police mobility, and improve response times to public security needs.