Manifesto expectations: Political use of police must end

Bangla Press Desk: As major political parties prepare to unveil their election manifestos, law enforcement experts and rights activists have urged them to place law and order at the centre of their pledges, stressing the need to keep the police free from political interference and end the partisan use of the force.

They also called for the establishment of an independent body to investigate allegations of human rights violations by law enforcement personnel and to submit regular reports to the government.

Experts recommended increasing police manpower in line with population growth, ensuring neutral and transparent recruitment, and forming an independent police commission to oversee appointments, promotions, training, and benefits.

Political influence over policing has long been a concern in Bangladesh, with nearly all major parties accused at different times of using law enforcement agencies for partisan purposes. During the Awami League’s 15-year rule, police were frequently described as acting as a “party force.” Government commissions and rights groups have linked law enforcement agencies to enforced disappearances and so-called “gunfights.”

The 2024 mass uprising saw a violent crackdown by security forces, with nearly 1,400 people killed, according to United Nations estimates. The law-and-order situation remained unsatisfactory during the subsequent one-and-a-half-year tenure of the interim government, marked by frequent incidents of murder, robbery, mugging, abduction, and growing public safety concerns.

Mob violence has emerged as a major challenge. According to Ain o Salish Kendra, at least 197 people were killed in mob attacks in 2025, up from 128 in 2024. During the interim government’s tenure, mob violence claimed a total of 293 lives.

Corruption within law enforcement agencies also remains a longstanding issue. A Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics survey published in June 2025 found that 61.94 percent of respondents experienced bribery and corruption involving the police, making the force the second most corrupt public service in 2024.

The interim government pledged police reform and issued a gazette in December 2025 to establish a police commission. However, experts criticised the ordinance as flawed, arguing that it undermines the objective of creating an independent oversight body.

Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said political control over the police must end to build a people-oriented force. “This cannot be achieved by merely writing it on paper; there must be clear plans for implementation,” he said, describing the police commission ordinance as “completely unsuitable.”

Odhikar Director ASM Nasiruddin Elan said public expectations are high due to serious rights violations over the past 15 years. He stressed that political parties must clearly commit to ending the use of law enforcement agencies for political purposes and prevent enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, and other abuses through prompt investigations and accountability.

Rights activist Nur Khan echoed the call for non-interference in police operations, recruitment, promotions, and training, noting that police had often been used to serve political interests.

Former Inspector General of Police Ashraful Huda highlighted the need to increase police manpower, pointing out that Bangladesh’s police-to-population ratio is among the lowest globally. He also called for improved logistics, stronger training, better pay, and adequate housing to boost morale.

“Many officers live away from their families for long periods, which affects performance,” Huda said, adding that ensuring a minimum standard of living could help reduce corruption.

With major political parties set to announce their election pledges soon, experts say meaningful law enforcement reform remains a key public expectation ahead of the polls.
BP/TI