Editorial
Government directives to police to be professional
It must really mean what it says
WE are happy that the government has directed the police to go for tough action against the unruly elements of the Chhatra League. We are happy too that police officers have been told to act professionally, that a failure to do so will result in disciplinary action against them. On the face of it, everything seems to be in order. The reality, however, is quite different. It has to do with the political culture that has developed, insidiously, in this country over a long period of time. We have a situation these days where many among the political classes, especially those who ascend to power at given periods, blur the distinction between the party and the government and, again, between the government and the state. That is a perfect instance of myopia. And in our present conditions, it has led to the menace today typified by the Chhatra League.
Now, the fact that the government has asked the police to act professionally while carrying out their responsibilities is not quite matched by the ground realities. Only the other day, senior police officers made their grievances known about the insubordination of their junior officers, whose sense of duty is clearly guided more by their proximity to the politicians they are in regular contact with than by an upholding of professionalism. Besides, all this exhortation by the government about responsibilities and professionalism is in a number of ways clear public posturing on its part. We are convinced that if the government had really meant business, the Chhatra League would have been put on the leash long ago. That these unruly young men continue to damage the image of the government and terrorise the public by their misdeeds only proves that unless the authorities mean what they say and really allow the police to do their work, things will only get worse. The BCL is a test case for the ruling party. Its activities have blackened the idealism once associated with student politics and have patently shown that the Awami League has no control over the organization.
The government must abjure rhetoric and rise above its narrow political considerations. It must see to it that the police are not simply advised to act professionally but that when they get professional, they are rewarded for their performance. It must remember that when one officer fails to do his work because of political pressure, it has a ripple effect that leaves others unable or unwilling to be different. Conversely, if one officer is steadfast in his professionalism, it sends out a powerful message to others to emulate him. Why not adopt the latter as policy since professionalism on the part of the police, of any other body of individuals for that matter, will restore the credibility of those involved. That is easier said than done, though.
To ensure that the police can work without fetters will call for the government to provide the necessary space to the police administration. The government must stand by the police as they do their work. Over a period of time, we believe, it will produce positive and concrete results. But as long as police appointments (read here the recent SP appointments) are made on partisan considerations, the slide will go on. It is time the government meant business where the freedom of the police to conduct business professionally is concerned. Let it up wake up to the grim realities around it.
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