Draft of police commission ordinance-2025 finalised
Staff Reporter :
The draft of the “Police Commission Ordinance, 2025” has been finalised and is expected to be sent to the Advisory Council for approval within the next few days, according to sources familiar with the matter.
“If approved, the Police Commission will represent a significant milestone toward promoting transparency, professionalism, and public confidence in policing,” said the sources.
A committee of advisers led by Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has prepared the draft, which outlines the proposed commission’s structure, powers, and functions.
Police reform was among the key issues included in the July National Charter, adopted through consensus among political parties.
According to the draft, the commission will be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge as chairman.
Other members will include a retired district judge, a retired senior government officer (Grade-2 or above), a retired police officer of at least Additional Inspector General rank, a retired principal of the Police Academy, a serving or retired professor of law or criminology, and a human rights activist with at least 15 years of experience.
The chairman will hold a status equivalent to a judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, while the members will hold a status comparable to High Court Division judges. Each will serve a four-year term without
eligibility for reappointment.
The draft stipulates that all relevant authorities must comply with the Commission’s directives or recommendations within three months and report on implementation.
If any authority faces obstacles in carrying out a recommendation, it must notify the Commission within the same timeframe for reconsideration and follow-up.
A seven-member selection committee-comprising a Supreme Court judge nominated by the Chief Justice, the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, and representatives from both ruling and opposition parties, among others-will recommend names of qualified individuals for appointment to the Commission.
The selection process must be completed within 30 days, with a minimum quorum of five members.
The ordinance also includes detailed provisions on the establishment, administrative framework, service terms, and removal procedures of the Commission, as well as mechanisms for police discipline and accountability, investigation of complaints, redress of grievances by police personnel, and guidelines for appointing the police chief.