Police undermine their own freedom through partisanship, flattery: Speakers at Police Week

Eminent personalities at a discussion today (1 May) said people want to see police as a force that is free from political influence and impartial in protecting people's rights as well as humanitarian values. 

Former inspector general of police (IGP) Abdul Qayyum said While the police regularly voice their need for operational freedom, they ultimately undermine it through ingratiation and subservience.

"This freedom cannot be sustained unless the police detach themselves from partisan politics and establish a strong, neutral stance. While individual preferences may exist, they should not influence policing duties. Only then can true police independence be realised, leading to improved public service," he said while speaking at a discussion on the occasion of 'Police Week-2025' at Rajarbagh. 

He strongly criticised the current state of the force, saying, "The police were never perfect — not even during our time. But from 2009 to 2024, we have never seen such blind loyalty and partisanship."

Addressing ongoing corruption, he warned that some police officers have been preparing to flee the country, knowing they would eventually face consequences. 

"In the past 15 years, many officers have amassed enormous wealth through corruption, because they knew they would need to escape one day. They planned accordingly," he added.

In his keynote address, Professor Dr Salimullah Khan acknowledged declining public trust in the police. 

"We must concede that public trust in the police has waned. The police force is not in its desired position today. Various legal shortcomings exist that require open discussion." He elaborated, "The police are not merely an arm of the state; they are also a part of society. The division between the police and the public stems from the broader divide between the state and the public. Democracy is the means to bridge this gap," he said.

Former IGP Mohammad Nurul Huda criticised the "ineffectiveness" of the Police Reform Commission. 

"The commission's work seems to be a superficial, short-term exercise. They claim reforms will take time, but if that's the case, what was the purpose of this commission? They haven't even addressed the Police Act of 1861, which is the core issue." 

He emphasised, "Political goodwill is paramount for police reform. Without it, how can the police effectively serve the public? There's no guarantee that those of us who can speak freely today will be able to do so in the future." 

Nurul Huda also noted, "Currently, many police officers are deeply involved in corruption, acquiring houses and cars within mere months. A former IGP once advised that living with in-laws is preferable to accepting bribes, a sentiment largely disregarded by today's officers."

Participating in the discussion, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir observed, "After 55 years, I see a state that continues to act oppressively. When the state is oppressive, its police force can never truly serve the people. Every year during Police Week, officials who excel at suppressing the opposition are rewarded, leading to the erosion of ethics and morality."

Professor Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, a member of the Election Commission Reform Commission, said, "A culture of misusing the police for malicious purposes has developed. We must take responsibility and break free from this culture. The police must be a force that stands with the people, especially the oppressed."

The discussion, moderated by AIG (Media) of the Police Headquarters, Enamul Haque Sagar, also featured speeches from Apex Group Managing Director Nasir Manju, Labour Commission member Professor Saima Chowdhury, Dhaka University faculty, writers, athletes, and other prominent figures. 

Additional IGP of the Special Branch of the Police, Golam Rasul, presided over the event.