Auxiliary Police Force: A step toward better security or a risk of misuse?
DMP plans to deploy private security personnel as an auxiliary force to tackle rising crime. However, the move raises concerns about accountability and potential misuse
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali announced in a press conference on Saturday that they would deploy private security personnel as an 'auxiliary force' alongside the police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure security in various shopping malls and residential areas of the capital.
The term "auxiliary force" refers not to a full-fledged force, but rather a semi-governmental force. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance 1976 already permits the use of such forces to assist the police.
Such a decision comes at a time when the country's law and order has collapsed. In recent weeks, crimes like robbery, mugging, snatching, and mob violence have surged, sparking public outcry.
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The DMP Commissioner mentioned that when on duty alone, they will have the authority to detain or arrest individuals like the police. Officials also confirmed to TBS that such personnel will not be given any weapons.
However, the decision has sparked debate and criticism. The question is: Can this auxiliary force truly assist the police in improving the country's law and order situation? Or will it create opportunities for misuse and further escalate chaos?
The DMP Commissioner said, "Under the Metropolitan Police Act, I have the authority to recruit an auxiliary police force. Accordingly, I am appointing private security personnel as an auxiliary police force."
Indeed he has. According to The Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance 1976, the police commissioner may appoint any person to be an auxiliary police-officer to assist the force on any occasion when he is of opinion that the force is in need of such assistance.
The ordinance says every auxiliary police-officer will have the same powers and immunities, be liable to perform the same duties, be amenable to the same penalties and be subject to the same authority as any other police-officer, as per the ordinance.
However, the ordinance does not clearly specify whether they are allowed to be provided with any weapons.
Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad Nurul Huda welcomed the decision. He sees it as a positive step amid the country's deteriorating law and order situation.
"This is a demand of the current situation. There is nothing wrong with it," he told The Business Standard.
"However, it is important to ensure that they have proper training," he noted.
The former IGP mentioned that there are similar precedents in many countries around the world. In the United Kingdom, such auxiliary forces are used. For a short period, they can be effective in maintaining law and order.
However, the concept is not completely new for Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Ansar force was previously given police powers, but in recent times, no similar auxiliary force has been deployed to maintain law and order.
When asked about who would be eligible to be an auxiliary police force member, the former IGP said, "The key point is that the selected private individual must meet the same qualifications or training officially prescribed for the desired rank."
The question of misuse applies equally to everyone. This could also apply to the regular police force. The main authority will definitely remain with the DMP. The auxiliary force must be held accountable, as supervision is always necessary.
A major concern among the public is whether the auxiliary force could be misused. Nurul Huda said "The question of misuse applies equally to everyone. This could also apply to the regular police force. The main authority will definitely remain with the DMP. The auxiliary force must be held accountable, as supervision is always necessary."
The DMP's decision is primarily aimed at Ramadan and the upcoming Eid. According to the DMP, markets and shopping malls in Dhaka remain open late into the night during this period. However, there is a shortage of police personnel to handle security.
During Taraweeh prayers, many alleys and streets in Dhaka become deserted. Additionally, many police officers will be on leave as well. To ensure security, private security personnel will primarily serve as the auxiliary police force.
However, Supreme Court lawyer Dr Qazi Zahed Iqbal believes that this decision further exposes the police's failure in maintaining law and order.
"Equipping the auxiliary force with proper training is a time-consuming process. Taking such an initiative abruptly is dangerous as it leaves room for misuse. If it were a government-established force like Ansar, it would be a different case," he said.
"If Ansar has not been given arrest authority yet, why should this force be granted it?," he questioned.
Beyond training and legal knowledge, he says, their integrity is also a major concern. It is crucial to monitor whether they are influenced by any private entities.
However, the police have not yet specified when this auxiliary force will be deployed on the streets. It has been announced that work on this is underway by the DMP.
