Anatomy of Police-Public Violence

Police officers worldwide face significant risks of physical assault and violence both on-duty and off-duty, reflecting the hazardous nature of their profession. On-duty, violence, deaths, and injuries often occur during crowd control, protests, or while apprehending suspects. In Bangladesh, officers frequently face violence during political rallies, strikes, and labour disputes, particularly during hartals, where they have been attacked with stones, brickbats, Molotov cocktails, and sharp weapons.  Globally, similar threats exist; in the United States, ambush-style or sniper attacks on off-duty officers are common, while in Europe, counter-terrorism personnel have been targeted in their private lives. These assaults jeopardize the safety of law enforcement personnel and challenge their ability to serve communities effectively.

During the past successive regimes in Bangladesh, the police became heavily politicized, often coerced into actions that compromised their professional integrity. They were compelled to suppress protests, act against citizens, and serve the ruling party’s interests, frequently under significant pressure. This created the ground for the potential rift between the police and the community they are entrusted to serve.

A recent incident involving the attack on Inspector Nizam, former Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Panchlaish Police Station, CMP, while relocating his family to a new posting, has drawn significant attention. The attack, captured and widely shared on social media, highlights public resentment toward the police, often accused of both inaction and excessive force under the previous regime. Activists accused Nizam of filing false cases and harassing opposition members during his tenure under the Awami League government, culminating in a confrontation where he was assaulted and handed over to the police. BNP activists framed their actions as a stand against perceived abuses of power, asserting that holding Nizam accountable was essential to prevent future misconduct and protect fundamental rights. Protests demanding his arrest, fueled by media and social media coverage, have spotlighted allegations of police bias and systemic persecution. This episode underscores deep-seated social and institutional tensions in Bangladesh, raising urgent questions about accountability, justice, and the need for depoliticized policing reform.

Critics of the BNP activists’ actions highlight the dangers of resorting to vigilantism. Detaining and physically assaulting a public official, especially the officer who was in charge of a police station undermines the rule of law, replacing institutional processes with extrajudicial actions. Such conduct sets a concerning precedent, potentially encouraging others to bypass legal channels and take justice into their own hands. The incident also exacerbates the already polarized climate, deepening divisions and fostering animosity between various factions. This heightened tension risks destabilizing security governance and inciting further violence within communities already fractured along party lines. Additionally, the activists’ actions could result in significant legal repercussions, portraying their behaviour as reckless rather than principled. This outcome might weaken their moral position and give the present interim government opportunities to discredit them as lawless and chaotic.

Unlike other state institutions, the police are perpetually on the front lines, visibly bearing the consequences of their actions. This enduring dynamic creates a cycle of political exploitation and public distrust in the successive regimes, positioning the police as both enforcers and scapegoats for government policies. The assault on OC Nizam in Chattogram highlights the urgent need for structural reforms within the police force to break this cycle of political manipulation and restore public confidence. For political activists who targeted Nizam, the police were perceived as a tool for exerting party influence and serving the government and its affiliates while being used to instill fear in opponents. Without meaningful reform, the police will continue to be caught in this vicious cycle, undermining their ability to function as a neutral and trustworthy institution.

The detrimental impact on police morale and effectiveness is evident as fear of retaliation and public backlash fosters hesitancy in decision-making, undermining their ability to maintain order. The public humiliation of a former OC deepens disillusionment within the force, reducing efficiency and weakening public safety efforts. This erosion of trust creates a vacuum that could embolden criminal activities, highlighting the need to rebuild community relations through transparency and fairness. Security experts warn that acts of vigilantism, such as assaulting off-duty officers, send a damaging message to an already embattled force, significantly undermining morale. The psychological toll ripples across the institution, eroding confidence and straining the fragile relationship between law enforcement and the community.

To break the cycle of violence, it is crucial to depoliticize law enforcement and establish transparent mechanisms that promote accountability, professionalism, and community trust. Collaborative efforts among citizens, political actors, and the interim government are essential to restore the police’s integrity and rebuild public confidence. As Bangladesh navigates this critical juncture, transforming law enforcement into an impartial institution is an opportunity that must not be missed. A collective commitment to the rule of law, constructive dialogue, and fairness can foster a harmonious future where police and the public unite to ensure safety, security, and justice for all.

Dr. Md. Motiar Rahman