Political will key to police reforms
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Intelligence agencies, he noted, should be subject to review to ensure accountability.
ASM Nasiruddin Elan, director of Odhikar, criticised the police for serving as political tools to suppress opposition and perpetuate corruption. “False cases and misuse of power have become systemic issues,” he said, doubting political parties’ commitment to genuine reform.
Shafqat Munir, senior research fellow at BIPSS, added that the militarisationof the police has hindered their ability to serve the public effectively. “Specialised units with overlapping roles only create inefficiencies,” he said.
Nurul Haq Nur, president of Gono Odhikar Parishad, highlighted similar issues in the judiciary, where promotions and positions are often dictated by political affiliation. “Internal democracy within political parties is essential for any meaningful reform,” he said.
Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho, president of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party, called for citizens to ensure that future governments avoid authoritarian tendencies.
Sohrab Hassan, joint editor of Prothom Alo, pointed out that the July uprising brought minimal change. He criticised the reform commissions for lacking inclusivity and representation.
“The deaths of police officers in recent conflicts also need thorough investigation,” he added.
Rashna Imam, a Supreme Court lawyer, argued that the colonial-era Police Act of 1861 perpetuates a mindset of suppression. “Guidelines to prevent misuse of the act are often ignored, and a lack of judicial independence exacerbates the crisis,” she said.
Former IGP Muhammad Nurul Huda emphasised that the police must not be politicised. “Public servants must not become private servants of political parties,” he said, advocating for laws to prevent the excessive use of force.
Former Judge Ikteder Ahmed highlighted systemic failures, citing a conviction rate of less than five percent in cases investigated by the police.
Former IGP Dr M Enamul Huq, a member of the Law Commission from 2004 to 2007, proposed forming a commission to evaluate the implementation of previous reform recommendations.
He said one must have the courage to say “no” to orders from political leaders when they conflict with their conscience. “Without this courage, nothing will change,” he said.
The dialogue also underscored the need for greater transparency and accountability.
ANM Muniruzzaman called on the media to act as independent watchdogs, while ASM Nasiruddin Elan noted that police reforms have been consistently hindered by political motivations.
AK Azad, publisher and editor of Samakal, stressed the need for binding reforms in law enforcement, unaffected by political influence.
He cited the 1974 killings by Rakkhi Bahini, including Siraj Sikder’s torture and death, arguing that justice then could have prevented later atrocities like disappearances and abductions.
Azad blamed political parties for the decline of the police, questioning whether the force has progressed since 1952.
He described the July uprisings as a result of prolonged public frustration.
Azad proposed dissolving the Rapid Action Battalion and reallocating its resources to police.
Zahir Uddin Swapon, adviser to the BNP chairperson, questioned whether reforms should focus on enhancing police service or maintaining police control.