United News of Bangladesh

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Baharul Alam on Monday said the police force is still awaiting the implementation of the recommendations made by the Police Reform Commission. "We were very hopeful about the Police Reform Commission. We wished for the police administration to be governed by an independent commission rather than being directly under the executive. We also submitted our opinions on several matters to the commission," he said while addressing a press briefing on Police Week at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, were, among others, present at the briefing. The police chief said the Home Ministry has been assigned the responsibility of implementing the commission’s proposals. "Many say if reforms do not take place during this government's tenure, they may never happen. We are still waiting," he said. IGP warns against vandalism, orders arrest Responding to a question about false cases allegedly being used for extortion and intimidation, the IGP explained that, due to legal obligations, the police are required to register a written complaint as a case without initially verifying its veracity. "Since 5 August last year, it has been observed that, in many cases, additional names are included beyond the actual perpetrators. The Home Ministry, the Police Headquarters, as well as various police units, have already instructed that no innocent person should be harassed or arrested," he added. Speaking about the investigations into incidents during the July-August student-people uprising last year, the IGP informed that each case is under investigation. "There are about 1,500 cases, including around 600 murder cases. Once investigations are complete, we will be able to determine who ordered the shootings, who fired, and how many were killed," he said. Regarding measures for victims of false cases, he mentioned that action could be taken against those filing false cases, but only upon conclusion of investigations. When asked about this year’s recipients of police awards, the IGP revealed that 62 police personnel would be recognised for their bravery and dedicated service. Police to strengthen vigilance countrywide during Eid: IGP About militancy, he said, "No one can give absolute assurance that there are no militants. Several agencies, alongside the police, are actively working to contain militancy. Many individuals have already served prison sentences for militancy-related crimes. At present, we are alert and capable of handling any situation."

A recent survey by the Ministry of Home Affairs has revealed that 71.5% of people demand punishment for police members involved in excessive use of force to handle protest marches and suppress opposing views. The findings emerged from the analysis of the survey titled 'What Kind of Police Do We Want?' conducted by the Public Relations Department of the Ministry. Survey results on ‘The Police We Want’ published The Police Reform Commission released the survey results on Tuesday. The survey highlighted strong public sentiment regarding the need for accountability and the safeguarding of human rights. "…71.5% of respondents want punishment for police members involved in excessive use of force to handle protest marches and suppress dissent, which amounts to human rights violations and is considered a criminal act," the survey results indicated. Besides, 68.8% of respondents supported including international human rights guidelines and formalising standard procedures in policing. They believed such measures would strengthen adherence to human rights. The survey also found that 68.27% of respondents backed rewarding and penalising police members annually to encourage respect for and loyalty to human rights. The survey also addressed public opinion on the need for prior approval from the Metropolitan Police Commission to organise meetings and gatherings. Fifty-one point eight percent of respondents considered this requirement contrary to fundamental rights. In contrast, 37.4% did not fully agree with the requirement, and 10.8% were uncertain or hesitant. Speakers call for urgent police reform to create public-friendly policing The survey said that Article 37 of the Constitution recognises the fundamental right to organise meetings and express opinions. But, under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Law 1976, the police commissioner holds the power to postpone such gatherings for up to 30 days in the public interest. The requirement for prior approval, however, is not mentioned in this law. Regarding the democratic development of the country, 71.2% of respondents expressed the desire to amend this provision. Italy offers support for Bangladesh's police reforms, safe migration The survey also shed light on the public's views on Section 54 of the Criminal Procedure Code, with 82.5% of respondents considering it an easily misused law. Among them, 46.2% called for modernising the section. They argued that reforming this colonial-era law would uphold democratic values and implement measures that offer a scientifically beneficial quality of life. Specifically, 39.7% of respondents supported amending Section 54 based on recommendations from higher courts. The ministry's survey engaged 24,442 participants, with 86.6% aged between 18 to 44 years. Job holders made up 36.4%, students 27.2%, and business owners 7.6%, while 7.1% were in other occupations. Most respondents came from Dhaka, followed by Chattogram and Cumilla.

The Police Reform Commission has released the results of its public opinion survey titled “The Police We Want”. The findings are now accessible on the commission’s official website at www.prc.mhapsd.gov.bd, said a media release on Tuesday. The release highlights the growing demand for police reform following widespread criticism of the violent actions of some police officers during recent anti-discrimination student protests. Speakers call for urgent police reform to create public-friendly policing In response, the government established the Police Reform Commission to facilitate necessary changes within the force. As part of its ongoing activities, the commission conducted the public opinion survey to gather insights and perspectives from citizens on the kind of police force they desire. The survey aims to pave the way for a more accountable, transparent, and community-focused police force in Bangladesh, reflecting the expectations and concerns of the populace. Italy offers support for Bangladesh's police reforms, safe migration