'Cops still traumatised': Speakers call for politics-free police commission to ensure reforms

The proposed police commission must be free of political influences to ensure proper reforms, according to speakers at a discussion today.

"Depoliticisation should be ensured first at any point of reform — posting, promotion or recommendations," said human rights activist Psymhe Wadud at a dialogue for "Democratic Reconstruction - On Law and Order" organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS).

Forming a new commission of police will not suffice the demands of the masses; it will be another bureaucratic and political entanglement, Wadud added.

Zarif Rahman, a student representative of the police administration reform commission, said, "A deep wound is visible between the police and people since the student-led July uprising…The wound must be addressed first and then initiatives should be taken for healing."

He recommended a dialogue between the police and the victims of police brutality during the July uprising. "We demand justice for the real perpetrators."

Former lawmaker and adviser to the BNP chairperson Zahir Uddin Swapan spoke at the event highlighting that the party is keen on ensuring reforms in police administration. 

"Police are still in trauma…The BNP also has a crucial role to play to keep the law and order normal since the fall of the previous government. We have to decide between police control or police service."

Supreme Court lawyer Rashna Imam said without political goodwill the proposed commission will not work out. She also recommended a strategy and consensus on how to make the police functional and depoliticised. 

Director of Odhikar ASM Nasiuddin Elan said even after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League regime, at least nine people were victims of extrajudicial killings so far. 

"Among them, six were killed by torture and three shot dead. So, things have not changed yet. Random murder cases are being filed as a tool of demanding ransom and harassing hundreds in a single case. 

"Police morale lowered down to 20% from 100%, but we've to come out of this situation," he added. 

Muhammad Nurul Huda, former inspector general of police, blamed politicians for influencing or controlling the police in a way that they were not people-friendly. 

Citing police headquarters data, speaker Zarif informed the seminar that from 2009-2024, against deputy inspector general posts, the number of promotions was 200%. Against additional deputy inspector general posts, it was 491% and 332% of promotions were given against the posts of additional superintendent of police. 

"Those posts are managerial, not directly connected to the people. But in contrast, field-level policemen were given 'slight' promotions — only 32% to constable ranks. The hierarchy rose closer to those in power but got disconnected from the people," Zarif added.   

Munira Khan, chair of the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), Samakal Publisher AK Azad, Prothom Alo Joint Editor Sohrab Hossain, Former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur, former lawmaker Andaleeve Rahman were also spoke to the session while Zillur Rahman, Executive Director of the Center for Governance Studies presided over the session.