Enhancing police ethics is crucial, along with legal reforms

For the sake of public safety and security, to maintain the peace and order of an independent state, and to combat corruption within the state, the police force is employed. Throughout history, various law enforcement agencies have existed in different countries. In modern states, the police serve as the closest ally of the people. There is a common saying that if the most powerful person or any group within a state poses a threat to an individual, the police are that person's last resort.

The police primarily act as a shield for the public or vulnerable individuals, positioned between the state and particular groups. However, unfortunately, in our country, the police have been seen working on behalf of specific groups or the state, and in some cases, have become adversaries of the people. This was evident during the last popular uprising, and due to the biased behavior of the police, calls for reforms within the police force have arisen. A Police Reform Commission has even been formed. A survey conducted by the Police Reform Commission titled "What kind of police do we want" has revealed various public opinions.

According to a report published in the media on Wednesday (December 4), a survey regarding the desired reforms in the police force revealed the most common opinions in two areas. The highest response (88.7 per cent) indicated that people want a police force free from political influence. The second most common response (86.2 per cent) called for a police force that is loyal to the law and impartial. Additionally, 84 per cent of respondents supported the idea of a corruption-free police force.

When asked about the areas where reforms are most needed, 89.5 per cent of respondents favored the cessation of using the police for political purposes while 77.9 per cent advocated for ending the abuse of power and corruption. 74.9 per cent supported accountability and punishment for those involved in abductions and extrajudicial killings.

The interim government-appointed Police Reform Commission decided to conduct this public opinion survey on October 31. A total of 24,442 people participated in the survey, with nearly 87 per cent of them aged between 18 and 44. Among the participants, 23,191 (95 per cent) were male, while 1,251 (5 per cent) were female.

Many have expressed support for the repeal of Section 54, citing that it has led to harassment for many individuals. Complaints have been raised about people being detained without justification under this provision. While the existing law does not grant the authority to arrest individuals in plain clothes, such incidents are occurring frequently. The most common allegation involves people being taken away in plain clothes, especially those who have gone missing. As a result, discussions are underway within the Police Reform Commission regarding how to stop such plain-clothes operations, as confirmed by relevant officials to the media.

There is talk of reform, and reform will indeed happen. However, we know that improving law and order in a country cannot be achieved solely through laws. Many laws already exist, but their proper implementation is lacking. In reality, what is most needed is the enhancement of the ethics of the police and all law enforcement agencies. The question is, how can this be achieved? By increasing their salaries? By preaching moral values? By inspiring patriotism? All three are indeed important, but alongside these, a comprehensive political and cultural transformation of the country is also essential.

When the politics of a country becomes corrupted, everything falls into the clutch of the corrupt. The culture of looting and plundering that has been prevalent in our country for a long time leaves no one untouched. People from various professions in our country have become tainted. Therefore, police reform is certainly necessary, but along with it, a reform of the entire state is also required. This is being discussed, but what is not being discussed is the reform of our souls. Every nation has its own distinct identity, its own soul – through awakening good sense at all levels, we want the soul of our nation to be purified. This is what we desire.