Former Additional Inspector General of Police Yasmin Gafur emphasized the critical role of law enforcement in a nation’s stability, highlighting the recent political unrest that exposed the necessity of a functioning police force. She addressed these issues during a roundtable discussion on “Bangladesh Police Reform: Challenges and Actions” organized by Prothom Alo in Dhaka.
Yasmin, also serving as the vice-president of the Bangladesh Retired Police Officers’ Welfare Association, stressed the importance of a modern, transparent, and accountable police service that prioritizes the needs of the people. She criticized the outdated colonial-era Police Act of 1861, citing political and bureaucratic influence that has hindered the professionalism of the police force.
Despite numerous past commissions, Yasmin noted a lack of substantial structural changes within the police force to adapt to the evolving societal demands. She called for institutional reforms to create a forward-thinking and citizen-centric police force, advocating for the establishment of a Police Commission 2025 as part of the national reform agenda.
Yasmin highlighted the erosion of public trust in law enforcement due to recent events, emphasizing the need for an independent statutory police commission outlined in the Police Commission 2025 draft. This proposed commission, led by a retired Supreme Court judge, aims to enhance accountability, investigate human rights violations, and improve recruitment and training policies within the police force.
To address challenges such as political interference and resource constraints, Yasmin proposed a law-backed police commission to ensure transparency, professional integrity, and community engagement. She stressed the importance of balancing public safety with human rights and concluded that the Police Commission 2025 represents a significant step towards fostering a reliable and ethical policing culture in Bangladesh.