The Bangladesh Police is set to receive 418 new vehicles, including five 2700cc jeeps, at a total cost of Tk 189.71 crore. This comes in response to widespread damage to police vehicles during unrest from July 1 to August 6, where 455 vehicles were either destroyed by fire or rendered unrepairable. Initially, a proposal was submitted to purchase 714 vehicles at a cost of Tk 385 crore. The Finance Ministry recently approved the procurement of 418 vehicles as part of this request, according to official sources.

The Finance Ministry’s approval outlines specific vehicle types, engine capacities, and associated costs. Most of these vehicles will be procured through local tenders, with a few requiring international tenders. The approved vehicles include five jeeps under 2700cc, each costing Tk 1.69 crore, amounting to a total of Tk 8.46 crore. Additionally, 15 jeeps under 2000cc have been approved, with each costing Tk 65 lakh, totaling Tk 9.75 crore. The purchase of 200 double-cabin pickups under 2500cc has also been approved, with each costing Tk 56.2 lakh, amounting to Tk 112.4 crore.

Further acquisitions include eight microbuses, each costing Tk 52 lakh, along with 16 trucks—three-ton trucks at Tk 31.75 lakh each and five-ton trucks at Tk 39 lakh each. Four large non-AC buses, priced at Tk 46.85 lakh per unit, and five prisoner vans, costing Tk 57 lakh each, will also be procured. Additionally, 152 police-version motorcycles (150cc) will be purchased at Tk 2.5 lakh each, totaling Tk 3.8 crore. A large, air-conditioned dog van will be acquired for Tk 75 lakh.

Under international tenders, eight 10-ton wreckers and four Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) will be purchased. Each wrecker will cost Tk 2 crore, while each APC will cost Tk 6 crore. The approved costs include registration fees, VAT, and taxes.

Officials from the Finance Ministry explained that while restrictions on vehicle purchases were imposed under a July 4 circular as part of cost-saving measures amid economic challenges, exceptions were made to replace irreparable police vehicles destroyed during recent unrest. The ministry relaxed the restrictions for the current fiscal year to ensure police operational capacity.

The Police Headquarters had previously requested additional vehicles through a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs, citing severe damage during protests. It reported that 455 police vehicles were destroyed or rendered unusable, while many others were vandalized. Despite efforts to maintain operations at police stations and outposts, the shortage of vehicles has hindered effective public service delivery.