Story perspectives

Bangladesh Police Change Uniforms, Test Election Reforms Looms

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ahead of Bangladesh's general elections, the first since the 2024 protests that ousted the authoritarian government, police uniforms have shifted from blue and green to gray and brown.
The color change aims to distance officers from the crackdown that killed over 1,400.
Activist Tanjina Tammim Hapsa says this change is insufficient for true reform.
The elections will test whether student-led movements in Bangladesh can inspire changes in Nepal and Iran.

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Story summary

Ahead of Bangladesh's general elections, the first since the 2024 protests that ousted the authoritarian government, police uniforms have shifted from blue and green to gray and brown.
The color change aims to distance officers from the crackdown that killed over 1,400.
Activist Tanjina Tammim Hapsa says this change is insufficient for true reform.
The elections will test whether student-led movements in Bangladesh can inspire changes in Nepal and Iran.