Amid widespread debate online about the government’s recent decision to change the uniforms of the police, Rapid Action Battalion and Ansar forces, a segment of an interview with Umama Fatema calling for police uniforms to be pink has gone viral on social media.
Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced the decision on Monday, but it is unclear whether Anti-Discrimination Student Movement spokesperson Umama's interview took place before or afterwards.
Responding to a question, Umama is heard saying in the viral clip that police should be given pink uniforms as soon as possible. “I believe pink is a great symbolic colour for uniforms. It is an eye-soothing colour.”
However, she hinted that pink might not be suitable for all police units. “It does not make sense to give pink uniforms to those who make arrests. But perhaps pink could work for those managing traffic control,” she added.
Notably, the new police uniforms will be iron-grey, RAB uniforms olive-green and Ansar uniforms golden-wheat in colour.
The announcement sparked widespread debate online, with opinions both for and against the change.
It is worth noting that following the fall of the Awami League government, there was a demand for police reform, including changes to police uniforms.