Let police do their job without fear
One of the loudest demands to emerge from the July uprising was reform of the security forces and the police. During the uprising, officers were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of protesters across the country. Two years on, however, beyond uniform changes, forced retirements and transfers, and some paper reforms, a dependable policing system has yet to emerge. Two recent reports in this daily illustrate a force still paralysed by fear and uncertainty.
Interviewing dozens of officers, one report found that the government's ongoing administrative actions have created insecurities within the force, leaving many hesitant before decisions that could later turn politically controversial. Field-level officers said they hesitate before arresting influential people, unsure whether seniors will back them if faced with trouble. That hesitation has real victims. Take Md Shamim, whose case remains unregistered despite filing a dozen complaints at Mirpur Police Station after his Kallyanpur rickshaw garage was seized by men invoking party names. In another case, Panna Begum alleged that police pressured her to “settle” rather than record when 20 men stormed her home and coerced her family into signing Tk 75 lakh in cheques and flat transfers. Meanwhile, recent police data show that although several crime categories have declined from 2025 levels, robbery and dacoity, murder, violence against women and children, kidnapping and theft remain higher than in January-July 2024.
Understandably, the force is yet to fully recover from the trauma of post-July attacks on them and police facilities, and years of political pressure. Since the uprising, some 1,490 police personnel have been named in cases related to firing on protesters. In addition, 141 officers have been sent into forced retirement, 142 placed on special duty or attached elsewhere, and 93 suspended over allegations of desertion. Forced retirement has emerged as a particular source of uncertainty, with at least 67 officers retired during the first five months of the current government’s tenure.
Frequent transfers are another concern, with some officers being moved within months or even before taking charge. Such reshuffles can disrupt policing. District police chiefs, for instance, need time to understand local crime patterns, develop intelligence networks, and build coordination with other agencies. Longstanding promotion disputes are also adding to frustration. More than 100 additional DIGs who received supernumerary promotions in 2023 are still waiting for substantive positions. Their grievances, along with other disputes over postings and promotions, should be resolved on professional grounds rather than political considerations.
Overall, the government must strike the right balance between accountability and institutional stability. Officers accused of specific crimes should face proper investigations and legal proceedings, while those found guilty of misconduct must be punished. At the same time, innocent officers must not become casualties of political change. The authorities should also establish transparent criteria for transfers, promotions, and disciplinary action, and avoid unnecessary reshuffles that weaken operational effectiveness. Restoring stability and professionalism within the police force should be an urgent priority if the government is serious about restoring law and order and public trust.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments