The Police Reform Commission's report presents 108 recommendations to transform Bangladesh's police into a transparent, accountable, and impartial institution.
Key proposals include revising outdated laws, creating an independent commission, and enhancing police training and human rights practices.
Notable reforms include stricter use-of-force protocols, improved conditions for female officers, and greater transparency through body cameras and GPS tracking.
The commission also recommends disciplinary action against officers involved in casualties from July and August, limiting police force in controlling illegal gatherings, and revising 22 laws for police reform.
It calls for an independent commission to oversee the police, with representation from both ruling and opposition parties.
The report emphasizes adopting European crowd control models and outlines five levels of force for consistency in handling illegal assemblies.
It also stresses adhering to Supreme Court directives on arrests and questioning, urging the government to withdraw a review petition hindering implementation.
In addition, the commission proposes creating a desk for female officers at every station to improve handling of female suspects and victims.
While implementation may take time, the commission believes these reforms are feasible and categorized into short, medium, and long-term plans.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to act on the recommendations, with the Home Affairs Secretary expressing support.
Use of force
The report emphasizes that the police should adhere to the 1898 Criminal Procedure Code, the 1861 Police Act, and the 1943 Bengal Police Regulations (PRB) while incorporating modern technological techniques for crowd control. It suggests that the Bangladesh Police adopt a five-step plan for the use of force, based on UN peacekeeping guidelines. This approach, it argues, will minimize harm and reduce the risk of fatalities.
Detention, arrest, search, and questioning
The commission recommends the immediate implementation of the Supreme Court’s directive (8 SCOB 2016 AD) regarding arrests, searches, and questioning. It proposes that the government either withdraw or expedite the reconsideration of the appeal related to this judgment. Further amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code and other relevant laws can be made as needed.
Additionally, the commission proposes equipping each police station with a separate interrogation room featuring transparent glass partitions for questioning detained or remanded individuals. It also recommends improving cleanliness and human rights standards in police and court cells, ensuring humane treatment of detainees during transportation.
Recommendations for handling female detainees
The commission advocates that interrogations of female suspects be conducted with dignity and in the presence of female officers.
Search protocols
The report suggests establishing an emergency call service for instances where police officers fail to identify themselves during searches or conduct searches without a warrant. It also recommends creating a hotline for reporting suspicious or improper seizures of goods, particularly in metro areas, which can be escalated to senior police officials.
Accountability in operations
The commission recommends that every law enforcement officer be equipped with GPS tracking systems and body-worn cameras during operations to enhance transparency. It also suggests that any home searches conducted between sunset and sunrise require the presence of an executive magistrate or a local dignitary.
Filing and investigating cases
The report emphasizes the need for strict oversight of case registrations (FIRs) by circle officers or the police superintendent. It recommends that suspects not named in the FIR should not be arrested without a court order.
False cases and media representation
The commission calls for strict action against officers involved in filing false charges, particularly in cases involving deceased or innocent individuals. It also stresses that individuals should not be presented as criminals to the media unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Human rights and police accountability
The commission recommends granting the National Human Rights Commission authority to investigate law enforcement human rights violations and establishing a human rights cell in each agency. It also calls for a new helpline or inclusion of violations in the existing 999 service for swift redress, and stresses the need for protection laws for victims and witnesses. Additionally, it suggests reviewing the Rapid Action Battalion’s operations and human rights record for accountability.
Responsibility for past abuses
The commission demands that police officers responsible for the deaths and injuries of students and civilians during the July-August 2020 protests be identified and prosecuted through appropriate legal channels.
Creating a non-partisan police commission
The Police Reform Commission advocates for a neutral, non-partisan Police Commission, either as a constitutional agency or within the constitutional framework, pending expert recommendations. It calls for further study of the commission's structure, scope, and legal obligations. The report outlines reforms to enhance police accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights, aligning the force with international standards.
GD registration, case filing, and investigation
It is mandatory for police to accept General Diaries (GDs) at police stations, and these cannot be rejected under any circumstances. No hesitation or delay is permissible when accepting a First Information Report (FIR) for a case. A specialized team must be established to handle criminal investigations, and this team must not be transferred to any unit outside its designated investigation or police station unit. Furthermore, the management of police handling and investigating cases should be integrated into career planning, with a dedicated team assigned for criminal case prosecution and verification.
Police verification
The requirement to verify the permanent address of National ID holders during police verification for job candidates should be removed. The recruiting authority should handle the verification of candidates’ educational qualifications, certificates, transcripts, and mark sheets. Investigating a candidate's political ideology should be eliminated from the process, and relevant regulations revised. However, involvement in activities affecting Bangladesh's sovereignty or territorial integrity must be included in the report. All police verifications should be completed within one month, with a possible 15-day extension.
Reform of outdated laws and regulations
Several outdated British-era laws need urgent reform to meet current needs. The commission recommends updates, including a possible overhaul of the 1861 Police Act for greater public responsiveness and accountability. Amendments to the 1898 Criminal Procedure Code are suggested to protect human rights and ensure proper use of force. The 1943 Police Regulations of Bengal also require revisions or replacement to create a more accountable, citizen-friendly police force.
Combating police corruption
A multi-party committee should be established at each police station or upazila to prevent misconduct and corruption, serving as local oversight for anti-corruption measures. A special task force should ensure the implementation of the committee's recommendations and develop long-term strategies. Additionally, the current police reward system, which lacks clear standards and is vulnerable to abuse, should be reviewed and reformed.
Strengthening anti-corruption measures
Recruitment processes must be transparent, with ethical standards upheld by all involved. An independent committee should design question papers, evaluate scripts, and oversee key tasks. Discrepancies or violations must prompt immediate disciplinary action. Integrity and diligence should guide appointments, transfers, and promotions, with clear policies communicated to all stakeholders. Allegations of extortion or illegal activities at police stations must be swiftly investigated by the police superintendent, with prompt action taken.
Government procurement
Adequate budget allocations must be ensured for various police station activities, such as the transportation of bodies, witness transport, and the proper disposal of unclaimed bodies. Routine inspections by the police headquarters’ audit and inspection department should monitor procurement activities in subordinate units. Random or surprise inspections can also be conducted to ensure transparency.
Financial affairs at police stations
Delays or objections in GD registration, as well as evidence of corruption, must be met with appropriate punitive actions. Special allocations for investigative expenses and GD verification-related activities should be ensured at each police station. Regular maintenance and the provision of necessary furniture must also be addressed with proper funding. To strengthen patrol operations, the availability of vehicles and fuel supplies must be guaranteed. Mediation, arbitration, or alternate dispute resolution (ADR) involving plaintiffs or defendants should not be permitted at police stations.
By focusing on these reforms, the police system can become more effective and efficient in serving the public, fostering a more accountable, transparent, and professional force.
Traffic management
The integration of advanced technologies, such as body-worn cameras, should be considered for handling traffic violations. Strengthening the monitoring system for case filings and recovery charges under the supervision of senior officers is essential. Regular vehicle checks or check-post operations could incorporate the use of body-worn cameras or CCTV cameras to ensure better implementation and enforcement.
Training and capacity building
Training outcomes should influence promotions and postings, with results reflected in the trainee’s ACRO score. For organized crime training, foreign experts could lead hands-on sessions. A Trainer of Trainers (TOT) program should offer foreign training to develop skilled trainers. Officers trained abroad must serve in training institutions and specialized units for a set period.
Regular training on adhering to SOPs for the use of force should be closely monitored. Modules should cover human values, religious moral education, and the distinction between lawful and unlawful orders. Officers must also undergo intensive human rights courses, including national and international policies, and embrace the attitude of being a “servant and friend of the people” through targeted training.
Geographical considerations for police operations
The districts of Barisal, Chandpur, Shariatpur, Khulna, and Bhola, which include 24,140 square kilometers of water, should establish floating police stations to combat piracy, smuggling, and human trafficking. The Police Headquarters must identify appropriate boats and logistics for these regions. In the Chittagong Hill Tracts, crime is driven by land disputes, criminal activities, armed conflicts, and communal tensions. Police must respect local customs while enforcing the law, in line with the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulations of 1900.
Research and development
The proposed Centre for Police Research and Development (CPRD) is supported and could initially operate with the Police Staff College and Police Academy. A standalone institution may be considered later based on budget availability.
Technological advancements like digital forensics, DNA analysis, biometrics, AI, and cybercrime technology should be integrated into the Bangladesh Police, supported by training programs to build expertise.
An ICT and Tech Core is recommended to equip the police with emerging technologies, manage cyber risks, maintain technical equipment, and standardize procurement practices.
Women, children, and gender sensitivity
To ensure the full implementation of child protection laws, the provisions of the Child Act of 2013 must be strictly enforced. The scope of existing hotlines should be expanded to address a wider range of issues. Women-focused services, such as Victim Support Centres and Women Support Divisions, should be established in all 64 districts. Police training should regularly incorporate gender and child sensitivity, accompanied by consistent monitoring. Existing laws related to these matters must be strictly adhered to wherever applicable.
Police welfare and work environment
A comprehensive medical service should be established for police personnel. Legal Officers' Cells with appointed experts should be set up in each district or metropolitan police station. Police officers should undergo regular drug and psychological tests, and their working conditions must be hygienic and humane. Work hours should be regulated, with incentives for overtime, to reduce stress.
Stress management should include family engagement and recreational activities. Police stations must have designated spaces for female victims or detainees, with provisions for changing, dressing, and breastfeeding. Adequate dormitories or quarters should be provided, ensuring separate, hygienic facilities for male and female officers. Mobile toilets for female traffic officers should be outsourced.
The government should consider a tailored leave policy for constables and similar personnel, including mandatory annual leave with allowances to alleviate mental stress from work pressures.
Recruitment, transfer, and promotion
To streamline recruitment in the Bangladesh Police, especially for Assistant Superintendents, physical and mental qualifications should be integrated into the BCS exam to attract eligible candidates. The commission recommends the Inspector General of Police (IGP) participate in Superior Selection Board (SSB) meetings on police matters. Fit lists for Police Superintendents and Officers in Charge should be regularly updated for timely appointments, while specialized units like CID and Cybercrime should prioritize internal postings based on departmental needs.
Annual promotion exams for constables to ASIs and ASIs to SIs should be replaced by a system where passing the exam once qualifies candidates for promotion over three years, subject to fitness. A career planning system should also be introduced for constables and SI-level officers to enhance professionalism and skills.
To improve public service, the number of female officers should rise from 16,801 to at least 29,248, requiring new positions within the existing structure. Currently, only 8% of personnel are female.
Strengthening specialized police units
A Coroner’s Office should be established as a pilot project in eight metropolitan areas.
A Forensic Training Institute (AFIT) should be set up to enhance professional knowledge in evidence identification, collection, transportation, and preservation. Digital forensic laboratories should be established in every divisional city. A Crime Scene Unit and Ballistics Section should be set up in each division. Units for detecting counterfeit currency and documents should also be established in every division.
Each division should have specialized branches for footprint, handwriting, and fingerprint analysis. Automated DNA laboratories should be established in every divisional city.
Community-oriented and people-friendly policing
Regular town hall meetings with local representatives and citizens should be organized to rebuild trust and improve police-public relations. A Citizen Safety Committee should be established at each police station to review and enhance local law and order.
Police-related topics should be incorporated into school curriculums to foster positive perspectives among students. A dedicated public relations strategy needs to be developed to improve police communication, especially regarding services for women. Community policing needs to be strengthened and enhanced for greater public engagement and oversight.
Ongoing police initiatives should be enhanced with a focus on sincerity and public welfare, supported by promotional efforts from the Ministry of Information. Transparency needs to be ensured by making case progress information publicly accessible at police stations.
Miscellaneous observations
To enhance prison security, the distance between new prisons and police barracks should be minimized to establish integrated security systems. A unified database or software should be developed for agencies involved in combating drug crimes. Access to the Criminal Data Management System (CDMS) of Bangladesh Police should be granted to Narcotics Control Department officers. Alternatively, the Narcotics Department could establish its own CDMS with public access.
