People want permanent commission to probe HR allegations against police: Survey

Eighty percent of respondents agreed that a permanent inquiry panel should be established to address the claims of human rights (HR) abuses by the police force. This recommendation was made by the Police Reform panel (PRC).

“The PRC has suggested forming a permanent investigation commission to this end by delegating the power upon the National Human Rights Commission,” according to a survey released today.
The survey conducted by PRC on ‘What kind of police do we want (kemon police chai)’ said that the human rights violation issue is required a special focus as it is a sensitive one.

However, the commission has recommended that laws be passed to establish the permanent investigation commission’s and the National Human Rights Commission’s respective jurisdictions in conjunction with the probe commission’s creation.

The “What kind of police do we want (kemon police chai)” public survey was conducted in response to recent international and Bangladeshi criticism on the use of violence by certain police officers to quell the anti-discrimination student movement.

To that end, the interim government formed the ‘Police Reform Commission’ to reform the police force.
In replying to a question on how the allegations of human rights violation and misusing of power by police should be investigated, 60 percent of 24,442 the people taking part in the survey, recommended of forming a complete investigation commission to pursue the matter.

However, 20% of them sought to look into the National Human Rights committee’s claim by changing the relevant 2009 statute, and 20% of them proposed creating a permanent inquiry committee headed by a retired justice of the High Court division.

According to the survey, the nation requires an autonomous police force that is free from political interference, corruption, and lawbreaking in order to uphold law and order for all citizens, regardless of their identity.  

“Some 89.5 percent people opined to stop use police force for political purposes and 77.9 percent want police not to indulge in corruption by misusing power,” it also said.

In addition, 74.9 percent of respondents supported holding police accountable for rights abuses such as extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances.

According to a home ministry press release, the poll is currently accessible on the Police Reform Commission’s website (www.prc.mhapsd.gov.bd).

24,442 people from various areas have submitted recommendations to the Police Reform Commission after it asked them to do so by November 15, 2024.