IGP highlights need for independent police body to curb political pressure

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Baharul Alam has called for the creation of an independent police commission to protect Bangladesh’s police force from political interference and improve accountability.

Speaking at a dialogue on “Police Modernisation and Professionalisation” on Wednesday, the IGP said that despite ongoing reform efforts, fundamental governance challenges remain unaddressed.

“The current interim government formed a reform commission with sincere intent, but it overlooked the crucial issue: ensuring police operate free from political influence,” he said.

Baharul Alam criticized informal pressure from powerful groups, saying it damages morale and undermines justice within the force. “I personally face frequent informal requests from influential quarters — a sign of deeper governance problems,” he added.

Referencing recent student protests, the IGP highlighted growing public demand for reform and accountability. “A wave of civic consciousness is pushing institutions to listen, reform, and evolve,” he said.

He stressed the need to move away from force-driven policing toward a service model based on human rights and public trust. “We’re building partnerships and strengthening community engagement instead of ruling from a tower of power,” Baharul Alam said.

The IGP also called for reforming police recruitment and training, proposing that investigations start at the Assistant Sub-Inspector level rather than relying mainly on constables.

He emphasized adopting UN standards for use of force, guided by necessity, proportionality, legality, and accountability, to ensure policing protects rather than provokes.

While police remain committed to change, the IGP noted that broader societal support is needed. “Society has yet to match this urgency,” he said.

The dialogue was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).