Akbar Haider Siddiqui
On September 9, Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced the imminent formation of a committee to initiate police reforms in Bangladesh. This statement, made during a meeting with a delegation led by Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Bangladesh, marks a positive step toward improving the country’s law enforcement system.
The Bangladesh Police, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is the primary agency responsible for maintaining peace, law, and order. As a critical part of the criminal justice system, it ensures public safety. However, its current structure has limitations in effectively serving citizens, highlighting the need for reform.
Decentralization of the Police Force
A central focus of reform should be the decentralization of the police. Each district, city, airport, seaport, and railway should have its own dedicated police force with no transfers beyond the jurisdiction. This localized structure would operate under a nationwide framework but focus on the unique needs of its community. Police commissioners could be selected by a panel comprising experienced retired police officers and a legal representative nominated by the mayor’s office. These commissioners, accountable to the city mayor, would oversee law enforcement within their jurisdiction, ensuring that the police are focused on protecting the residents.
Currently, political interference undermines the independence of the police, with undue influence from high-ranking political figures, including the prime minister and home minister. Reform should ensure that the police operate based on established policies and procedures rather than political directives. A reformed police force would take an oath to protect all citizens, regardless of origin, gender, race, ethnicity, or religion. Their core objectives must be crime prevention and public safety.
Issues with the Current System
Despite its mandate, the current police force often acts in the interest of political elites, engaging in practices such as protecting influential individuals, criminalizing peaceful protestors, conducting forced disappearances, and detaining individuals without due process. These actions, often sanctioned by high-ranking officers who have advanced through a politicized civil service process, undermine public trust. Figures like DB Harun and Benazir Ahmed have epitomized this problem, prioritizing the interests of the powerful over those of the public. This system of unchecked power allows corruption and impunity to thrive.
Establishing a Monitoring and Accountability System
- A reformed police force must operate under strict guidelines, free from political influence. Essential elements of this system should include:
- Officers refusing to comply with political interference in legal matters.
- Regular updates on investigations being provided to magistrates.
- Annual crime reports from each police station, including recommendations for reducing crime.
- Audits of police stations, with consequences for officers involved in misconduct or criminal activity.
Strengthening Local Police Knowledge
Local police officers often have valuable knowledge about the criminals in their jurisdictions. Effective enforcement would prevent these criminals from operating under the protection of influential figures. The frequent transfer of officers between districts only facilitates corruption, weakening the accountability of local law enforcement.
Addressing Traffic Policing Issues
The inefficiencies of the current traffic policing system highlight broader systemic problems. Traffic police often stop vehicles unnecessarily, contributing to congestion and harassment. They should be equipped with technology to quickly gather information and only stop vehicles when there is evidence of a violation. Their primary role should be traffic management, not creating additional roadblocks.
Temporary Recruitment for Traffic Management
A temporary recruitment program could be implemented, enlisting students eager to assist with traffic control at busy intersections. This initiative would not only support the current police force but also provide an opportunity for young recruits to learn how to manage traffic situations effectively. Rigorous training should be provided, emphasizing crime prevention and public safety.
Corruption in Filing Reports and Investigations
Another significant issue is corruption within police stations, particularly when filing First Information Reports (FIRs). Citizens often face demands for bribes, as seen in cases like the murder of a colleague’s wife in Dhaka during the 1980s, where the investigating officer sought a bribe to apprehend the suspect. Such corruption erodes public confidence in law enforcement.
Establishing an Undercover Investigation Unit
To address corruption, an undercover investigation unit (UIU) should be formed, consisting of recent university graduates. This unit would monitor officials without their knowledge, armed with guns but in plain clothes. They would ensure accountability across institutions, with the public encouraged to submit tips to expose corrupt officials.
Improving Crime Investigation and Oversight
Given the current lack of trust in the police, crime investigations should be overseen by magistrates as well as police supervisors. Transparent investigations should be documented and submitted to prosecutors, with clear evidence determining whether to pursue charges or close the case. All case files must be securely maintained as classified documents to ensure integrity.
Promoting Positive Examples of Policing
Police officers should be encouraged to assist the public proactively. For instance, they should help drivers of stalled vehicles and provide assistance during medical emergencies. Such actions would foster a positive relationship between the police and the public.
Limiting the Use of Firearms
Regular police officers should not carry firearms, as the militarization of law enforcement, seen in countries like the United States, can lead to dangerous outcomes. Only specialized crime investigation units should carry guns, and body cameras should be used during operations involving firearms to ensure transparency. Undercover arrests and abductions by security agencies should be banned, and any violations must be promptly reported.
Conclusion: Reforming the Bangladesh Police is essential for ensuring a more accountable, transparent, and citizen-focused law enforcement system. The formation of a reform committee, staffed with experienced individuals committed to community-oriented policing, is a vital first step. The public’s high expectations following the August 5, 2024 movement reflect a deep desire for
