A recent online survey conducted by the Police Reform Commission revealed public support for such changes, with 58.9 per cent of 14,389 respondents favouring the creation of an oversight body to hold police accountable and shield them from external influences.

Amid mounting allegations of systemic corruption and political bias favouring the ruling Awami League, the Bangladesh Police have proposed the establishment of an independent “Police Commission” with sweeping powers to ensure accountability, neutrality, and transparency within the force.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam submitted the draft proposal to Safar Raj Hossain, head of the Police Reform Commission. This move comes as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at restoring public trust in the police by ensuring their independence and alignment with human rights and the rule of law.

Bangladesh’s The Daily Star newspaper quoted Baharul Alam as saying: “We have submitted a report to the commission proposing reforms, including the creation of a police commission.”

Proposed Structure

The proposed commission would consist of 11 members, with a retired Appellate Division judge or a retired IGP serving as chairperson. Key elements of its composition include:

Four MPs: Two from the ruling party and two from the opposition, nominated by the parliament speaker after consultations with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition.

Four Non-Political Members: A legal expert, a human rights activist, a retired IGP, and a social science or policing academician, at least one of whom must be female. These individuals would be appointed by the president from a list prepared by a selection committee.

Ex-Officio Members: The home secretary and the serving IGP, with the latter acting as the member secretary.

The selection committee itself would be led by the Chief Justice or a designated Appellate Division judge, alongside the heads of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Bangladesh Comptroller and Auditor General, National Human Rights Commission, and a retired secretary or IGP.

Mandates and Functions

The proposed commission would wield significant authority, including:

• Recommending a panel of three senior officers for the position of IGP to the president, ensuring a fixed tenure of two to three years regardless of retirement age.
• Removing an IGP upon majority agreement within the commission.
• Overseeing appointments to key police positions, including heads of training institutions, specialised units, and district superintendents, with each appointment lasting two years.
• Formulating policies on recruitment, transfers, promotions, and other service matters to eliminate favouritism based on political affiliations.

“This will put an end to the practice of picking officers for promotions and lucrative positions based on their political loyalties,” noted a member of the Police Reform Commission on condition of anonymity.

The commission would also draft national public safety policies and police-related laws, rules, and regulations as needed. Other responsibilities would include determining the lawful use of force and developing training, capacity-building initiatives, and specialised units to address emerging security challenges.

Grievance Redress Mechanisms

To enhance accountability, the commission would oversee a three-member complaint management committee, acting as an appellate body for grievances against police officers. Citizens dissatisfied with investigations conducted by police headquarters could appeal to this committee.

For internal issues, a three-member Grievance Redress Committee would address complaints and problems faced by police officers, reporting directly to the commission chairperson for action.

The commission’s members would serve four-year terms, with MPs losing their positions upon parliamentary dissolution. No member would be eligible for reappointment after serving one term. Strict eligibility criteria would exclude individuals with criminal records, tax defaults, loan defaults, or other disqualifications, ensuring the commission’s integrity.

Balancing Independence and Accountability

The draft proposal was informed by an online survey conducted by the Police Reform Commission, which garnered 14,389 responses. Of these, 58.9% supported the creation of a separate oversight body to ensure accountability and shield the police from external interference.

“We have received a proposal from the IGP that suggests a constitutional commission,” Safar Raj Hossain confirmed.

The reform commission is expected to incorporate this proposal into its final report, albeit without specifying a rigid format for the oversight body.

The government would provide necessary resources, including permanent and temporary staff, and allocate funds based on the commission’s needs, according to the draft proposal.

The success of the proposed commission hinges on its ability to operate independently, free from political interference. However, the inclusion of MPs from both ruling and opposition parties could potentially create a balancing act, fostering bipartisan support and legitimacy.

Critics and experts will closely scrutinise the proposed commission’s effectiveness in addressing allegations of systemic corruption and political bias. Its success would depend on strict adherence to the framework and transparent execution of its mandates.

The police reform agenda is a timely effort to restore public confidence in law enforcement. By eliminating practices of favouritism and politicisation, the proposed commission seeks to uphold human rights, protect individual liberties, and reinforce the rule of law.

As the Police Reform Commission prepares to finalise its recommendations, the draft proposal for an independent police commission offers a glimmer of hope for a transformed and neutral police force. Whether the initiative will be embraced and effectively implemented remains to be seen.

Public and Expert Reactions

If implemented, the proposed commission could mark a turning point for policing in Bangladesh. A reform commission member, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasised that this initiative would “put an end to the practice of picking officers for promotions and lucrative positions based on their political loyalties.”

The draft also envisions the commission playing a pivotal role in drafting and updating police laws and policies, reflecting evolving societal needs and expectations.

The proposal has drawn widespread attention. Analysts believe the reforms, if executed, could bolster public confidence in the police force by ensuring impartiality and professionalism. Human rights activists and legal experts have also welcomed the initiative, emphasising the need for independent oversight to uphold justice and prevent abuse of power.

However, some sceptics have raised concerns about the feasibility of implementing such sweeping changes, particularly in a politically charged environment. Ensuring the commission’s independence from undue influence will be critical to its success.

The Police Reform Commission, tasked with submitting its final recommendations, is expected to include the proposal as an annex. Once finalised, the reforms will require approval and implementation at the highest levels of government.