Call for a politically neutral and impartial police force

A recent public opinion survey conducted by the Police Reform Commission revealed that the majority of respondents desire a police force free from political influence, committed to the rule of law, and impartial in its duties. Among the participants, 88.7% expressed a desire for a politically neutral police force, 86.2% emphasized adherence to the law, and 84% called for a corruption-free police system. Additionally, 78.8% highlighted the need for accountability mechanisms.

Security analysts and human rights activists believe that now is the time to rebuild the Bangladesh Police to make it more citizen-friendly, which, in turn, would lead to a peaceful and secure society. The Police Reform Commission, established on October 3, issued a circular titled "What Kind of Police Do We Want?" on October 30, inviting public opinions. Within 16 days, 24,442 people participated in the survey.

The survey results, released on December 3, indicate a strong demand for reforms in both police regulations and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Key recommendations include establishing an independent complaints commission, preventing arbitrary arrests, ensuring the right to peaceful assembly, and updating CrPC provisions such as Section 54 to prevent warrantless arrests and forced disappearances.

To curb abuses by law enforcement, respondents suggested introducing an emergency call service, mandating the use of uniforms with GPS tracking and body-worn cameras during arrests, especially at night, and ensuring the presence of a magistrate or local representatives during detentions.

Regarding the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs), suggestions included limiting the discretionary powers of officers-in-charge, requiring case diaries for adding non-FIR-listed individuals, and implementing legal measures against false complaints. The public also supported High Court directives on conducting interrogations in transparent rooms and questioning female suspects in the presence of female officers.

Participants advocated for creating an independent body led by a retired judge to investigate police corruption and crimes or empowering the National Human Rights Commission to oversee such matters after relevant legal reforms.

Building a Citizen-Friendly, Efficient Police Force

Human rights activist and member of the Disappearance Commission, Nur Khan Liton, emphasized that a corruption-free, politically neutral, and law-abiding police force would naturally become citizen-friendly, reflecting the public's expectations.

He noted that the survey highlighted not only the need for police reforms but also specific areas requiring changes, such as aligning police laws with updated CrPC provisions. "A citizen-friendly, efficient police force is highly desirable," he said.

Ijazul Islam, Executive Director of Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), described the survey's recommendations as timely, aligning with proposals from his organization. He stressed the importance of community policing and fostering good relations between police officers and the public.

Recalling recent student protests, he argued that the police should not be equipped with lethal weapons for crowd control and that there should be penalties for using such weapons. He recommended specialized armed units for dealing with heavily armed criminals and training constables before arming them.

Former Additional Inspector General of Police, Md. Nazmul Haque, pointed out that the police still operate under outdated laws from the British colonial era, such as the Police Act of 1861, CrPC of 1898, Evidence Act of 1872, and Police Regulations of 1943. He emphasized the need for legal reforms to make the police more citizen-oriented.

He questioned why the Bangladesh Police, known for their competence in UN peacekeeping missions, struggle to meet public expectations at home. "The problem lies in political leadership. Given the opportunity, the police should be allowed to achieve the highest standards of professionalism," he said.

Haque also highlighted the need for regular mental health check-ups for police officers, noting the psychological toll on officers during the July-August protests.