Proposal tabled for 'Independent Police Commission' at reform talks

The National Consensus Commission (NCC) has proposed the formation of an 'Independent Police Commission' aimed at ensuring professionalism, accountability, and efficiency within the Bangladesh Police.

Dr Ali Riaz, vice-chairman of the commission, present the proposal on Sunday (July 27) during the 19th day of the second phase of ongoing political reform dialogues held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

According to the draft, the Commission would be led by a retired judge of the Appellate Division, under the age of 72, with a retired Additional Inspector General (Additional IGP) under 62 serving as Member Secretary. Membership would include representatives from both the ruling and opposition parties, including the Leader of the House, Leader of the Opposition, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Additional members would include a Supreme Court lawyer with at least 15 years of experience, a human rights activist with 10 years of experience, and a retired police officer of Additional IGP rank. At least two members of the nine-member commission must be women.

A selection committee is also proposed to oversee certain appointments. This committee would include the Home Minister, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Home Affairs, and a High Court Division judge with a decade of experience.

The Chairperson and Member Secretary would work full-time, while other members would serve voluntarily, with eligibility for honorariums and allowances as per legal provisions. The commission’s operations, including its authority, accountability mechanisms, and rules for resignation or removal of members, would be defined by law.

Decisions made by the commission would require majority approval, according to the draft presented during the dialogue.