Staff Reporter:
A survey conducted by the Police Reform Commission has found that 87% of people want an ‘emergency call service’ to be established to confirm the identities of law enforcement officers conducting any drive, arrest, or search without a court warrant.
The survey, titled “What Kind of Police Do We Want” (Kemon Police Chai), was conducted on 24,442 Bangladeshi citizens.
Based on the survey findings, the Police Reform Commission has recommended incorporating public opinions to establish an emergency call service in police law.
The commission stated that it has been observed that law enforcement agencies are conducting searches in houses at night, both with and without uniforms. Sometimes, they do not carry a search warrant or a formal detention order, which is one of the causes of enforced disappearance, the PRC added.
To avoid the uncertainty arising from such practices, around 77.4% of respondents suggested that law enforcers use GPS tracking systems and video recording devices while conducting searches.
Additionally, 75% of respondents supported the presence of a magistrate, local government representatives, or eminent personalities during house searches at night.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Baharul Alam welcomed the PRC public survey, stating that implementing the proposals would make the police more accountable and people-friendly.
The country needs a law-abiding police force, free from corruption and political influence, to maintain law and order equally for every citizen, irrespective of their identity, the respondents said.
Some 89.5% of people expressed the view that police force should not be used for political purposes, and 77.9% of people believe the police should not engage in corruption or misuse power, according to the survey.
Additionally, 74.9% supported holding the police accountable for violations of human rights, including enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killings.
The survey is now available on the PRC website (www.prc.mhapsd.gov.bd), according to a press release from the home ministry.
A cross-section of the public provided a variety of suggestions in response to the commission’s queries regarding the need for a modern police force, the release said.
