Survey on police: 95% want reform in culture of fake, ghost cases

A government survey has revealed that the majority of respondents – 95% – demand reforms to address the "culture of fake cases and ghost cases" used by law enforcement to suppress dissent during the previous Awami League regime.

The findings stressed the growing public concern over the misuse of laws and excessive policing practices.

The survey, titled "What Kind of Police We Want", was conducted by the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs between 31 October and 15 November this year, according to a press release issued by the division today (3 December).

The survey, which received feedback from a total of 24,442 individuals, indicated that 82.5% of participants believe Section 54 of The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is easily exploitable.

This section allows arrests without warrants under certain conditions, which respondents argue are prone to abuse.  

Additionally, 71.5% of respondents called for criminal accountability and punishment for police personnel involved in excessive use of force during protests or in curbing political dissent, considering such actions violations of human rights.  

Furthermore, 68.8% advocated for the inclusion of international human rights guidelines into standard operating procedures (SOPs) for law enforcement. 

To promote a culture of respect for human rights within the police force, 68.27% of respondents supported incorporating a system of rewards and penalties into annual performance evaluations. This, they said, would encourage ethical practices among law enforcement personnel.

Given the sensitivity surrounding human rights issues in the current socio-political climate, many respondents recommended stricter accountability measures.

Human rights violations committed by uniformed law enforcement officers should be met with double the punishment applicable to ordinary citizens, some suggested.