Reforming the Bangladesh Police

Police reform in Bangladesh is crucial to addressing deep-rooted systemic issues that undermine its integrity and effectiveness. Key challenges include political interference, lack of professionalism, and recurring human rights violations. Reforming the police requires a focus on neutrality, accountability, and ethical conduct. Recent incidents, such as the police response with lethal weapons resulting in the deaths of numerous students and protestors during the demonstrations from July to August 5, 2024, have brought these issues to the forefront. These events revealed how political influence can distort police actions, erode public trust, and weaken the rule of law. The security infrastructure, originally established during British rule, collapsed within 45 minutes, exposing the fragility of a governance system built on an unstable foundation that was washed away by the overwhelming public and student resentment. Key areas of reform are:

1. Legal framework

A legal framework plays a pivotal role in shaping how police actions are executed, whether proactively or reactively. The Police Act of 1861, enacted during the colonial era, granted the Inspector General of Police (IGP) the authority, with government approval, to formulate regulations for the police. The Police Regulations, Bengal, 1943, originally implemented for the greater Bengal region, has been still in effect in Bangladesh. It remains largely unchanged, with the exception of Chapter 12, which pertains to the recruitment of Constables, Sub-Inspectors, and Sergeants, as well as the repeal of dress code regulations in Chapter 19. Since 1943, the regulations have been reprinted several times. According to a credible source, a reprint incorporating amendments made over the years has been pending with the relevant ministries. In contrast, metropolitan police forces established by specific Acts or Ordinances, with the exception of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), operate without formal regulations. On the other hand, RAB, the elite force originating from the Armed Police Battalion (APBN) Ordinance, has no operational procedure in place to guide the operational areas. As a result, police officers are left to “swim without having learned the basics of aquatics.”

2. Judicial and Legislative Reforms

For police reforms to be successful, they must be supported by corresponding changes in the broader criminal justice system. Comprehensive criminal justice reform in Bangladesh must extend beyond police reform to encompass all partners within the system, including the judiciary, correctional facilities, prison, prosecution, and legal aid services. Effective reform of these institutions is crucial to ensure accountability, improve access to justice, enhance transparency, and uphold the rule of law. A holistic approach that addresses systemic issues, expedites justice delivery, improves the overall legal framework promotes ethical practices, and fosters collaboration among all stakeholders will be essential for creating a fair and just criminal justice system in Bangladesh.

3. Recruitment, Training, Posting and Professional Development

The recruitment of police officers at the levels of Constable, Sub-Inspector (SI), and Sergeant has long been marred by political interference, often driven by monetary incentives, with candidates frequently aligned with the political party in power. It is crucial to ensure that new recruits receive training not only in basic policing skills but also in specialized areas such as crime scene investigation, data-driven policing, and cybersecurity. Without this specialized training, the police remain reactive rather than proactive in addressing emerging threats, particularly complex and borderless issues like drug trafficking, human trafficking, and organized crime—threats that pose greater challenges to Bangladesh than traditional crimes against property and individuals.

Additionally, ongoing professional development programs should be introduced to allow officers to continuously enhance their skills in line with modern law enforcement practices. Another pressing concern is the issue of transfers and postings to various units. Media reports have highlighted that officers often lobby influential figures within the police, and in some cases, local political leaders exert their influence to secure desirable transfers for personal benefit. This has led to the formation of syndicates, where certain officers manipulate the transfer and promotion process by building close connections with powerful individuals. In some instances, illegal financial transactions further undermine the integrity of the system, eroding discipline and meritocracy within the police department.

4. Political Influence and Interference

One of the major challenges to effective policing in Bangladesh is political interference. Law enforcement agencies are frequently accused of serving political interests rather than enforcing the law impartially. This politicization erodes the integrity of the police, as officers often face pressure to favour political figures instead of adhering to legal principles. Political influence has become so pervasive that when a political elite or member of parliament visits an area under a police station’s jurisdiction, the officer-in-charge and other officers often spend the entire day escorting them, even without any real security threat. The presence of police escorts or the privilege of being accompanied by security personnel symbolizes power and authority, a status that politicians often prioritize and prefer. This diverts officers from their primary duties, wasting time and resources that should be used to serve the public. The relationship between police officers and political figures becomes so entrenched that complaints against these officers are frequently ignored, as they are seen as loyal agents of the political elite. Non-compliance with political directives can lead to serious consequences for officers, such as reprimands, transfers, or being labelled as “not our man.” A zero-tolerance policy within the framework of legislation against political interference is essential to protect officers from undue influence.

5. Resource Constraints and Corruption

The Bangladesh police encounter significant challenges due to limited resources, including inadequate funding, outdated equipment, and a shortage of personnel. These problems are further compounded by widespread corruption, which severely hampers the force’s effectiveness. Corruption takes various forms, such as bribery, abuse of power, and participation in illegal activities. These practices not only undermine public trust but also foster a culture of impunity within the force. To combat these issues, it is essential to implement strong anti-corruption measures, including the creation of independent commissions to investigate allegations of bribery and misconduct. Moreover, sufficient funding must be allocated to equip the police with modern tools and provide adequate staffing to handle the growing demands of an expanding population and rising crime rates.

6. Accountability and Oversight

Effective policing requires a system of accountability where officers are held responsible for their actions. Unfortunately, Bangladesh lacks strong oversight mechanisms to ensure that police officers adhere to ethical standards. The creation of independent civilian oversight bodies, comprising respected members of civil society, legal experts, and human rights advocates, would provide much-needed transparency in police operations. These bodies should have the authority to investigate cases of misconduct, abuse of power, and human rights violations, ensuring that officers who engage in unlawful behavior face appropriate consequences.

7. Human Rights and Professional Ethics

Human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, custodial torture, and harassment, have marred the reputation of the Bangladesh police. To restore public trust and uphold the rule of law, comprehensive human rights training must be mandated and internalized for all officers. This training should emphasize the importance of due process, legal rights, and the appropriate use of force. A revised code of ethics, focused on integrity, professionalism, and non-partisanship and use of force along with conflict management should be developed and ingrained in every aspect of police training and operations.

8. Technological and Operational Modernization

The integration of advanced technology is essential for the modernization of the Bangladesh police. Currently, many law enforcement activities are performed manually, limiting efficiency and transparency. The adoption of digital tools such as body cameras, electronic case management systems, and online reporting mechanisms would significantly enhance the force’s operational capabilities. Additionally, investing in data-driven policing methods would enable the police to proactively address crime hotspots, analyze criminal patterns, and deploy resources more effectively. Upgrading forensic and investigative capabilities with state-of-the-art technology and trained personnel would further improve the quality of evidence and reduce the reliance on forced confessions.

9. Gender-Sensitive and Inclusive Policing

The establishment of gender-sensitive units within the police is critical to addressing gender-based violence and increasing female representation in law enforcement. These units should be strengthened to ensure that female victims of crime feel safe reporting incidents. Moreover, recruitment efforts should focus on encouraging participation from all sections to create a more inclusive and representative police.

10. Public Relations and Trust Building

After Sheikh Hasina stepped down, public fury erupted, leading to violent attacks on police stations. Forty-six officers were lynched, and police posts were abandoned, marking an unprecedented crisis in Bangladesh’s police history, with operational units left dysfunctional—a situation not seen even during the Liberation War. Public trust in the police is essential for effective law enforcement. To rebuild this trust, the police must engage with the community through outreach programs, town hall meetings, and collaboration with local leaders. Establishing a streamlined public complaints mechanism, where citizens can report misconduct anonymously and without fear of retaliation, would further bridge the gap between the police and the public. Additionally, citizen-police collaboration platforms should be developed to encourage greater cooperation in addressing community safety issues. At this critical juncture, civil society must step forward to restore the morale of the beleaguered and demoralized police.

11. Digitalization and the Introduction of e-Policing:

With the advancement of technology, the police have begun implementing e-policing to enhance efficiency. This includes digitizing case management, reporting systems, and utilizing modern tools for criminal investigations and surveillance, including the potential use of robots and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies could even be employed to monitor the performance of police officers. For instance, officers, particularly Officers in Charge OCs, often avoid answering or returning calls from unknown numbers to prevent unnecessary complications or to avoid any encumbrances.  Additionally, there are frequent complaints that police officers show reluctance to file general diaries or criminal cases (FIRs). Digital technology can address this issue by monitoring case management and ensuring transparency. Each police unit should maintain a dashboard, enabling officers to track and oversee station activities in real-time. Although the police station is the primary service delivery unit, people are often reluctant to visit police stations due to the involvement of middlemen and sentries, making it difficult to access duty officers, let alone the OC. Access to higher-ranking officers is even more difficult, typically limited to individuals with influence. Moreover, police stations often lack adequate financial resources, equipment, and physical infrastructure, making the environment unwelcoming and uncomfortable. People in distress who seek help from the police often find that the inadequate facilities fail to provide them with psychological comfort and support.

A National Policing Policy is crucial for setting long-term objectives, including the integration of technology and crime prevention strategies, alongside broader reforms in prosecution, courts, and prisons to create a more comprehensive justice system. The Interim Government of Bangladesh deserves recognition for establishing the Police Reform Commission, which is tasked with submitting a report within three months. However, a permanent body should also be established to regularly propose ongoing police reforms.

Finally, the Bangladesh police face challenges that weaken both their effectiveness and public trust. However, structural reforms in recruitment, training, accountability, technology, and public engagement can transform the police into a professional, transparent, and community service-oriented institution. These changes will boost efficiency, restore trust, and strengthen the police’s role in upholding the law.

Md. Motiar Rahman, ndc, PhD