Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has criticized the Police Commission Ordinance, 2025, calling it a symbolic and self-defeating measure that undermines the prospects of genuine police reform.
In a press release issued Monday, TIB said the ordinance squanders the historic opportunity for institutional reform created by the sacrifices of the July Uprising and fails to establish an independent police commission.
The organization stated that the proposed commission would remain under the control of administrative and police bureaucracies, particularly the Ministry of Home Affairs, rendering it incapable of ensuring professionalism, accountability, or public trust. TIB warned that, instead of addressing corruption, abuse of power, and human rights violations, the ordinance could further legitimize police misconduct.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the ordinance, published on December 9, 2025, is fundamentally flawed in concept, structure, and intent, noting that it does not even mention “independence.” He criticized provisions requiring the inclusion of retired bureaucrats and police officials, including a retired police officer as Member Secretary, calling them conflicts of interest that erode neutrality and credibility.
Iftekharuzzaman also highlighted that Articles 23, 24, and 25 deprive the commission of financial autonomy and make it administratively dependent on deputed bureaucratic and police officials.
TIB further raised concerns about vague definitions of public security, the lack of financial autonomy, overlap with the National Human Rights Commission, and complaint mechanisms dominated by commission members themselves.
The organization urged the government to urgently amend the ordinance to ensure a truly independent, transparent, and accountable police commission in line with public expectations.
