Appoint July uprising injured to make police people-friendly: Commission
The commission also recommended for the establishment of an independent and neutral police commission
Highlights
- Proposes creation of an independent, neutral police commission
- Advocates granting NHRC full authority to investigate police-related human rights violations
- Suggests removing the mandatory police verification at permanent addresses
- Recommends completing employment-related police verifications within one month
- Calls for initiatives like Citizen Security Committees and Town Hall Meetings
The Police Reform Commission has recommended prioritising merit-based police employment for individuals injured during the July-August uprising to promote a more inclusive and people-oriented police force.
In its final report submitted to the chief adviser today (15 January), the commission emphasised that considering the educational qualifications and other relevant skills of those injured in the uprising, suitable employment opportunities should be explored within various government departments, including the police force.
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"This initiative will the positive relationship between the public and the police while simultaneously facilitating the reintegration of injured individuals back into society," said the report.
The commission also recommended for the establishment of an independent and neutral police commission.
The report suggested that the nature of this body – whether a statutory entity under law or a constitutional institution – should be determined through expert consultation.
Human rights and crowd control
The reform commission recommended granting the National Human Rights Commission full authority to investigate alleged human rights violations perpetrated by police personnel.
The report endorsed the 5-step crowd dispersal strategy adopted by the Bangladesh Police, aligning it with the principles guiding United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, emphasising minimising damage and loss of life.
Scrapping police verification at permanent address
The report recommends scrapping the requirement of police verification at permanent address, scrutinising educational qualifications, and political ideology in recruitment applications, with the exception of cases involving threats to national security, sovereignty, and integrity.
It suggested that all employment-related police verifications should be completed within a month.
Public trust engagement
To enhance public trust and foster a more people-friendly police force, the commission recommended implementing initiatives such as Citizen Security Committees and Town Hall Meetings.
It mentioned that these platforms will involve local representatives, administration, and students to address community concerns, improve law and order, and strengthen the police-community relationship.
Other recommendations include incorporating policing and legal issues into the school curriculum, developing a dedicated public relations strategy for the police, expanding the community policing system, and ensuring public access to information regarding the progress of police investigations.
Promotion and personnel management
To streamline the promotion process for constables and assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs), the commission recommends that successful candidates in the annual examination be considered eligible for promotion for the next three years, subject to meeting physical fitness requirements.
The commission emphasises the need for prioritised postings within respective departments or related roles for specialised units such as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Cyber Crime, and Biometric Identification and Fingerprint departments.
The commission also recommends increasing the proportion of women in the police force from the current 8% to at least 13.92%, which translates to approximately 29,248 female officers.
New helpline or utilisation of 999
The commission proposes a new helpline or utilisation of the existing emergency number (999) to facilitate the lodging of complaints, including criminal charges, against police officers who violate the constitution, laws, and High Court directives.
The commission also recommends the enactment of a comprehensive protection law for victims and witnesses.
All-party committee
To combat police corruption, the commission suggests the establishment of an "all-party committee" and a special task force.
In the short term, the formation of "watchdog or oversight committees" is recommended to prevent undue interference in police operations and curb professional corruption.
At the local level, "all-party committee " can be formed in each police station or upazila to act as oversight bodies and proactively address corruption issues.
The all-party committee's expertise will be utilised by the task force to develop long-term recommendations for combating police corruption effectively.
