Police reform efforts will be ineffective without eliminating political and bureaucratic influence, and establishing an independent commission for accountability and professionalism, speakers emphasized at a recent event.
During a roundtable discussion titled “Challenges and Actions for Bangladesh Police Reform,” hosted by Prothom Alo at the Pragati Insurance building in the capital city, participants highlighted the importance of ensuring the police’s operational independence to enhance professionalism, accountability, and public trust in the institution.
The event was attended by policymakers, senior police officials, human rights advocates, academics, political figures, and representatives of the National Consensus Commission.
Speaking at the event, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam acknowledged the prevailing distrust surrounding his leadership since assuming office last November. He stressed the necessity of functional independence in police operations like investigations and arrests to build public confidence.
“Our goal is to establish a service-oriented, professional police force that upholds accountability and earns the trust of the public,” Alam affirmed.
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul highlighted the historical misuse of the police for political purposes, leading to a loss of public trust. He mentioned recent amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure aimed at enhancing accountability in arrest procedures, such as mandatory family notification within 12 hours of detention and magistrate approval within 24 hours to prevent unlawful detention.
Nazrul proposed the formation of an independent police commission to address complaints and suggest policy reforms, with the ministry retaining execution powers for stability and continuity.
Matiur Rahman, Editor and Publisher of Prothom Alo, emphasized the need for genuine transformation following the July events that strained police-citizen relations, underlining the urgency of effective reform implementation.
Former Inspector General of Police Nurul Huda emphasized the detrimental impact of political interference on the police force, calling for insulation from political and administrative influences to uphold professionalism.
Former additional Inspector General of Police Yeasmin Gafur underscored the importance of transparency and professionalism in rebuilding the police institution following the events of July 2024.
Iftekharuzzaman from Transparency International Bangladesh stressed the importance of reducing political control over police postings, transfers, and promotions to ensure genuine operational independence.
Various speakers highlighted the need for comprehensive police reform to combat internal syndicates hindering progress and emphasized the importance of transparency in the selection process of the proposed independent police commission.
The speakers also called for swift action in establishing the independent police commission with clear legal guidelines, structural reforms to redefine police-ministry relations, and improved training to create a professional and service-oriented police force.
Discussions during the event included empowering the commission to investigate complaints, including those against senior officers, and ensuring its directives are binding for effective accountability.
IGP Baharul Alam expressed optimism that, with guidance from Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, a welfare-focused and accountable police commission would soon be established.
The roundtable was moderated by Tipu Sultan, head of politics and crime at Prothom Alo.