Police officers seek to establish their own commission with extensive authority

Following accusations of systemic corruption and criticism for advancing the Awami League's political agenda, the police force has proposed the establishment of an independent commission with broad powers to ensure accountability and maintain neutrality. This oversight body would be responsible for making high-level appointments within the police, as well as setting policies on recruitment, transfers, and promotions, aiming to end the longstanding practice of politically motivated selection. Bangladesh's top police official recently submitted a draft of the proposed "Police Commission" to Safar Raj Hossain, head of the Police Reform Commission, which is expected to recommend a series of reforms.

On December 29, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam told The Daily Star that the report submitted includes proposals for reforms, including the creation of a police commission. The commission’s primary goals are to ensure that the police force remains neutral, independent, and committed to protecting human rights, in line with public expectations. It also aims to uphold the rule of law and safeguard individual liberties.

The proposed commission's framework was based on feedback from an online survey conducted by the Police Reform Commission. Among the 14,389 respondents, 58.9 percent supported the creation of a separate oversight body to ensure police accountability and protect against external interference.

Safar Raj confirmed receiving the IGP's proposal for a constitutional commission and stated that it would be included as an annex to the reform commission's final report. He added that the reform commission would recommend the establishment of a police commission, although the specific format remains undecided.

Commission Structure

The proposed police commission will consist of 11 members, including a retired Appellate Division judge or retired IGP as chairperson. The commission will also have four MPs—two from the ruling party and two from the opposition—whose names will be recommended by the parliament speaker in consultation with the prime minister and opposition leader. Additionally, four non-political individuals—a legal expert, a human rights activist, a retired IGP, and a social science or policing academic—will be appointed by the president from a shortlist of six nominees provided by a selection committee. One of these appointees will be a woman.

The home secretary and the current IGP will serve as ex-officio members, with the IGP acting as the member secretary. The selection committee, led by the Chief Justice or a designated Appellate Division judge, will also include the heads of the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Bangladesh Comptroller and Auditor General, the National Human Rights Commission, and either a retired secretary or retired IGP.

Commission Functions

The commission will recommend a panel of three officers, each not below the rank of additional inspector general, for IGP appointment. The IGP's tenure will be between two and three years, regardless of retirement age. The commission will also have the authority to remove the IGP if a majority of its members agree on the decision.

In addition to making recommendations for key positions such as heads of police training institutions, specialized units, deputy inspectors general (DIGs), metropolitan commissioners, and district superintendents, the commission will draft policies regarding recruitment, transfers, promotions, and other service-related matters. This will end the practice of politically motivated promotions and assignments to influential positions.

The commission will be tasked with developing a national public safety policy and, when necessary, amending police-related laws, rules, and regulations. It will also determine the lawful use of force, plan police training, and oversee the formation of specialized units as required.

Commission Tenure

The tenure for the police commission members will be four years. MPs will no longer serve on the commission if the parliament is dissolved, and members can only serve one term. Individuals with certain backgrounds—such as loan defaulters, tax evaders, criminals, or office bearers—will be ineligible for membership.

The government will be responsible for providing the commission with necessary resources, including staff and funds, as outlined in the draft proposal.

Complaint Management

The commission will oversee a complaint management committee, which will consist of three commission members and will act as an appellate body for the existing police complaint system. Individuals dissatisfied with the police headquarters' investigations may appeal to this committee. The committee will submit its report to the commission chairman for further action.

Additionally, a three-member Grievance Redress Committee will be established to address any issues faced by police officers.