DHAKA, July 15, 2026 (BSS) - The Industrial Police has urged the government to establish its own permanent headquarters and increase its manpower.

"Both are essential to ensure effective security and law enforcement across Bangladesh's rapidly expanding industrial sector," Additional Inspector General of Industrial Police Gazi Jashim Uddin told BSS.

The specialised force has been operating from rented premises in Uttara, Dhaka, since its establishment in 2010, despite its steadily expanding responsibilities.

"Since its establishment in 2010, the Industrial Police has been operating without its own headquarters. A permanent headquarters is now essential to improve operational efficiency and support the force's growing responsibilities," Jashim Uddin said.

He said the force has also been facing a significant manpower shortage, limiting its capacity to provide adequate security and respond swiftly to labour-related incidents in industrial zones.

"We currently have around 3,470 personnel against an approved strength of 4,200. Considering the rapid expansion of industrial areas across the country, more manpower is necessary to ensure effective industrial security and labour law enforcement," he said.

According to Jashim Uddin, the Industrial Police has already proposed establishing dedicated police lines in Ashulia-Savar, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Chattogram and Mymensingh to strengthen its operational capacity.

Land has already been allocated for the police lines while the Department of Architecture is preparing the designs for the facilities.

The Industrial Police was established on October 31, 2010, to maintain law and order in industrial areas, protect workers and investors, and create a stable, production-friendly environment.

The force currently operates nine units across the country, including four full-fledged units in Ashulia-Savar, Gazipur, Narayanganj and Chattogram.

Officials say Bangladesh's industrial sector continues to expand, with nearly 6,000 ready-made garment factories and other industrial establishments employing more than four million workers.

The sector, led by the RMG industry, generates an estimated US$55-60 billion in annual export earnings, underscoring the need for a stronger and better-equipped Industrial Police force.

Jashim Uddin said strengthening infrastructure and increasing manpower would enable the force to respond more effectively to labour disputes, protect industrial assets and maintain a secure environment for both workers and investors.