The government has proposed purchasing 5,830 vehicles for Bangladesh Police at an estimated cost of Tk 6,609 crore to address transport shortages, improve patrol operations and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

The two procurement projects are expected to be placed before the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) for approval at its meeting on October 25, according to Planning Commission documents.

The proposed purchases include 4,829 operational vehicles at a cost of Tk 4,328.92 crore and 1,001 specialised vehicles worth Tk 2,280.14 crore. Bangladesh Police would implement the projects between October 2026 and June 2029, with funding provided entirely by the government.

Planning Commission proposals indicate that the country's 639 administrative police stations currently have only 1,237 vehicles, with 64 percent of them more than 10 years old. The shortage has reportedly affected routine patrols, criminal investigations and emergency response.

Police officials have also pointed to damage caused during the July-August 2024 mass uprising, when 1,074 police vehicles were damaged, including 455 that were burnt, according to Police Headquarters data.

The operational vehicle project is intended to support regular patrols, anti-crime and anti-narcotics operations, arrests and emergency services. Additional transport capacity would also help police maintain operations across multiple locations during national elections and major public events.

The specialised vehicle project focuses on improving riot control, investigation and operations in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. Proposed vehicles include riot control units, all-terrain vehicles, mobile command centres, crime scene vans and watercraft.

Mobile command centres would provide temporary operational control facilities equipped with communication systems, while crime scene vans would help investigators collect evidence at incident locations. Watercraft would support river patrols, rescue operations and emergency response in areas where waterways are essential for transportation.

The proposals also include training and maintenance provisions. The operational project allocates Tk 15 crore for vehicle repair equipment and tools, alongside driving and mechanical training for personnel responsible for operating and maintaining the fleet.

Under the plan, 650 personnel would receive training for light vehicles and 300 for heavy vehicles, while another 50 would receive mechanic training. The specialised vehicle project would provide driving and mechanical training to 910 personnel, with a further 50 receiving mechanic training.

The Planning Commission's project evaluation committee reviewed both proposals on October 15 and recommended that the authorities ensure accurate cost estimates, compliance with public procurement regulations and adequate maintenance arrangements.

The committee also requested details on vehicles that remain operational, those that can be repaired and those that are beyond use, as well as adjustments required to the police force's approved vehicle allocation.

Bangladesh Police also operates 24 railway police stations and 73 highway police stations, in addition to its 639 administrative stations.

If approved, the projects are expected to improve police mobility, strengthen specialised operational capabilities and help officers respond more quickly to public safety needs.