Police politically used, genuine reform needed: TIB

Staff Reporter :

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman yesterday said that Bangladesh’s police force, like other state institutions, has long been politicised, with serious consequences for citizens and the rule of law.

Speaking at a roundtable titled “Need for Police Reform: Civil Society Perspective” organised by The Daily Star at the newspaper’s office in Dhaka, Iftekharuzzaman argued that the country’s police not only allowed themselves to be politically used but also benefitted from that misuse of power.

“They were not only used; they allowed themselves to be used. In doing so, they gained advantages, enjoyed power, and violated citizens’ rights,” he said. “Everything granted, but the authority given to them by the state and government has been widely misused.”

He said those holding core authority in the police force had committed acts “that cannot be justified.” “There is no crime they haven’t committed, from the highest level to the lowest,” he alleged.

While acknowledging problems of resource shortages, capacity gaps, skill development issues, and budget constraints, the TIB chief stressed that political manipulation remained the central issue undermining the force.
As a member of the National Consensus Commission, Iftekharuzzaman pointed to the failure of the Police Reform Commission—formed under its framework—to generate any meaningful debate or outcome. “No recommendations, no reports—nothing was debated. There was resistance. This needs research,” he said.

He cited the commission’s report, which noted that 13 different commissions had been formed in the past, yet none of their recommendations were ever implemented. “The reason is clear—political, bureaucratic, and police forces have created a triangular resistance. They did not allow reform because it serves the interests of those in power,” he said.

According to him, successive governments have deliberately avoided reform to shield themselves from accountability. “Political forces in Bangladesh have never wanted police reform,” he added.

Iftekharuzzaman also criticised the composition of the reform commission, saying it was dominated by bureaucrats. “Eight of its 11 members were bureaucrats—former or in-service—including five currently serving, two of whom were police officers. Full of conflict of interest,” he observed.

He further questioned the government’s latest plan to form two new commissions, both headed by ministers, arguing that such a structure undermines independence. “So, the government retains authority and control over the commission,” he said.