TIB calls for revamping of Police Commission draft

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for revamping of the draft of the Police Commission Ordinance by the government to ensure the independence and effectiveness of the proposed Police Commission.

The organization said that various clauses in the current draft could turn the commission into an organization under the control of the government, while also increasing the scope for allegiance of former bureaucrats and police officers.

In a statement on Wednesday, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said: "The proposal to have one retired bureaucrat and two police members in the seven-member commission poses a risk of transforming the commission into an organization under the executive branch of the government."

He also said that to ensure the independence of the commission, the commission should be formed with impartial experts related to justice, law, human rights and good governance, university teachers and researchers, by canceling the inclusion of former and current bureaucrats and police officers.

He further said: "The provision of government approval for the appointment of the commission's manpower should be abolished and the power to appoint should be given to the commission. The approval of the commission should also be made mandatory for appointment on deputation and the opinion of the commission should be final on sending any government employee to the commission.

"When appointing members of the commission, only those who have set an example of impartiality, protection of human rights, honesty and integrity should be selected. The proposal to make a retired police officer the secretary should be cancelled and all manpower, including the secretary, should be appointed through open competition. The rank and salary of the secretary should be equal to that of the government secretary and he should serve as a non-voting member of the commission."

Regarding the formation of the selection committee, TIB says that there should be a provision for making the list of candidates recommended by this committee public and it should be clarified how a citizen experienced in human rights and good governance will be included. The organization also said that the commission should be empowered to give recommendations and instructions to ensure professional excellence, protection of human rights and sensitivity of police activities, intelligence and surveillance agencies.

According to the organization, within six months of the formation of the commission, a provision should be included to recommend to the government to enact a new police law by repealing the colonial police law, considering the positive aspects of the draft police law 2007. In addition, the financial independence of the commission should be ensured. The government should allocate budget according to the needs of the commission and publish the audited expenditure statement on the commission's website within seven working days - this provision should be included.