In a significant move towards enhancing policing standards in Bangladesh, the Police Reform Commission is set to unveil pivotal changes focused on human rights protection. Among its key proposals are strict limitations on lethal force deployment in violent protests and enforcing the Supreme Court’s directives regarding the often-abused Section 54 of the CrPC, which allows arrest without warrants. This initiative, formed under the current interim government in October 2024, aims to model its reforms on United Nations police practices, particularly those employed in Kosovo to foster community-centric policing.
The chief of the Police Reform Commission, Safar Raj Hossain, expressed a firm commitment to prioritize citizens’ human rights during an interview. He emphasized the urgent need to update colonial-era laws, particularly Section 54, which has been criticized for enabling arbitrary detentions. The commission is set on strictly implementing Supreme Court directives from 2016 that outline crucial guidelines for law enforcement and the judiciary, reinforcing the imperative to mitigate abuse of power.
In his remarks, Hossain noted that a truly independent complaint commission should be established to insulate police operations from political influences, with the forthcoming parliament responsible for its creation. He underscored the detrimental impact of misused police power on public trust and asserted that genuine political will is vital for reform success, advocating for structural changes within the police to elevate service-oriented practices and community engagement.
Discussing the challenges ahead, Hossain acknowledged the difficult journey of redirecting police forces from their current path but assured that the commission’s recommendations would introduce crucial administrative modernization and reforms. Given that parliamentary powers are absent under the interim government, he clarified that law drafting remains the jurisdiction of the respective ministry.
Moreover, the commission plans to advocate for the recruitment of individuals with disabilities, inspired by a desire to rehabilitate those harmed during recent protests. Other recommendations seek to enhance police living conditions, alleviate heavy workloads, and ensure regular downtime for personnel, thereby positively affecting their work-life balance. Recognizing the financial burdens faced by investigation officers, the commission will push for appropriate budget allocations to ease the monetary strains involved in conducting investigations.
The Police Reform Commission of Bangladesh is proposing crucial changes to enhance law enforcement standards emphasizing human rights. Key initiatives include limiting the use of lethal force, revising outdated laws, establishing an independent complaint commission, and modernizing police living conditions. Safar Raj Hossain, the commission’s head, highlights the necessity of political will and structural reforms to curb misuse and rebuild public trust.
The Police Reform Commission is on the verge of proposing essential reforms designed to shield human rights and modernize the policing framework in Bangladesh. By prioritizing citizen rights, adhering to Supreme Court mandates, and proposing new operational structures, the commission aims to restore public trust and facilitate a more equitable policing environment. Political will and extensive collaboration are pivotal to realizing these reforms and ensuring sustainable change.
Following a pattern of police abuse and lack of accountability, the Bangladeshi Police Reform Commission was established to implement comprehensive reforms aimed at aligning law enforcement practices with human rights standards. The commission’s drive is intensified by historical issues of power misuse leading to public distrust, calling for a reassessment of laws and police protocols to promote a service-oriented approach and community collaboration.
Original Source: www.newagebd.net
