The government has recently completed a draft ordinance to establish an independent police commission with the goal of enhancing accountability within the police force and ensuring fair, transparent, and unbiased policing. The proposed Police Commission Ordinance 2025 will grant the commission the authority to oversee promotions and postings in the force.
According to the draft law prepared by the law ministry, the inspector general of police (IGP) will be appointed by the president based on the commission’s recommendation from a selection of three senior officers, each holding a minimum rank of additional inspector general, for a two-year term.
Sources from the law and home ministries have indicated that the ordinance is expected to be presented to the advisory council soon. Once enacted, it will supersede other relevant laws, empowering the commission to monitor discipline, integrity, and performance within the police force and suggest reforms in policing policies and practices.
The commission will be empowered to take action against any individual or entity attempting to exert unlawful influence over police operations. It will also investigate complaints from citizens against police members and maintain the confidentiality of complainants.
Functioning as an independent statutory body, the commission will have the authority to acquire and manage property, as well as the ability to initiate legal proceedings. Additionally, the commission can also be subject to legal action.
In response to a query from a journalist, Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that detailed information on the benefits and operations of the commission will be announced upon the completion of the process.
MEMBER SELECTION:
The draft outlines that the commission will consist of seven members, with the chairperson being a retired Supreme Court judge and the member secretary a retired police officer not below the rank of additional IGP. Other members will include retired officials from various sectors, ensuring diverse expertise within the commission. At least two members of the commission must be women.
The selection of the chairperson and members will be based on recommendations from a seven-member selection committee, led by a justice of the Appellate Division and including representatives from various bodies.
PEOPLE-FRIENDLY POLICING:
The commission’s primary objective is to cultivate a people-friendly, efficient, and rights-compliant police force, free from external interference. It will be responsible for formulating policies, issuing recommendations on recruitment and promotions, and advising on various aspects to enhance the well-being and professionalism of police personnel.
The commission will actively monitor police activities to ensure respect for human rights, review investigation procedures, promote the use of technology and force, and engage in regular public interactions to foster trust between the police and the community.
COMPLAINTS, GRIEVANCES:
The ordinance stipulates procedures for receiving and resolving complaints from the public and internal police grievances. The commission will investigate citizen complaints against police officers, hold individuals accountable, and make recommendations for appropriate actions. It will establish divisional units to handle inquiries and ensure timely resolution of cases.
A dedicated Citizen Complaint Management Board and Police Grievance Redress Board will address complaints from citizens and police personnel, respectively, ensuring fair treatment and swift resolution of grievances.
AUDIT, ACCOUNTABILITY:
The commission will collaborate with relevant bodies to prevent overlapping jurisdictions and enhance its effectiveness. It will prepare annual reports on its activities, law and order status, and reform recommendations, which will be submitted to the president, presented to parliament, and published online. Financial matters of the commission will be audited by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
LONG-DUE DEMAND:
Efforts to establish an independent police commission have been ongoing, with previous proposals facing challenges in implementation. The current draft represents a positive step towards ensuring the independence and effectiveness of the commission, emphasizing the need for proper implementation to achieve its intended goals.