Dhaka: The Bangladesh Home Ministry has rejected the proposal to establish an independent Police Commission, opting to retain control over law enforcement, as reported by The Daily Star.
In response to growing calls for police accountability through an autonomous body, the ministry stated that the current framework and colonial-era laws are sufficient, rendering the formation of a separate commission unnecessary.
“The ministry is already performing the duties that an independent body would carry out,” the statement read, while attributing the tarnished image of the police to individual officers acting under extra-legal political pressure.
The proposal for a Police Commission originated from a reform initiative under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.
A reform commission was formed to draft recommendations, submitting its report in January.
The report emphasised measures to enhance police accountability, including making the use of force against civilians a last resort.
However, Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury previously stated that implementing reforms and changing the police’s mindset would require time.
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Public sentiment has largely favoured reform.
A survey titled Kemon Police Chai (“What Kind of Police We Want”) revealed widespread support for creating an independent regulatory body to hold the police accountable and eliminate external influences.
The Home Ministry’s decision to reject the proposal comes amid mounting public criticism of its handling of law enforcement.
Last week, students staged protests demanding the resignation of Jahangir Alam, citing a failure to maintain safety and worsening law and order in the country.
