Mir Abdul Alim

The neutrality of the police and civil administration has long been a contested issue in Bangladesh’s political system. The emergence of the interim government in August 2024 offered a glimmer of hope in this regard. Citizens hoped that the police would finally evolve into a truly public-serving force, guided solely by the rule of law and justice. Decades of misuse under political directives had left deep scars on the public psyche. The expectation was that those wounds would begin to heal, ushering in a new era where the police could rise above partisan loyalty and function as a professional law enforcement agency. Had that transformation been achieved, it would have marked one of the most significant democratic reforms in the country’s history.

Since independence, Bangladesh’s police have played dual roles—sometimes as guardians of national security, and at other times as the coercive tool of ruling regimes. Arrest drives, ominous warrants, forced disappearances, and brutal crackdowns have often served as instruments to silence dissent. Over the years, successive governments have cultivated a culture of loyalty within the administration, eroding its professional character. While administrative reshuffles can be implemented swiftly, psychological and cultural reform at the grassroots remains a daunting challenge. To this day, ordinary citizens often harbor a “cautious fear” when interacting with the police.

The phenomenon of ghost cases—fabricated charges filed preemptively against political opponents—has become a deep-rooted tool of political oppression in Bangladesh. Thousands of opposition activists have been implicated through such cases, often without proper scrutiny or evidence. Arrest warrants are issued, and charge sheets are prepared as per the wishes of those in power. While some of these cases have recently been withdrawn, such moves appear more strategic than sincere, aimed at placating electoral or international pressure. Unless transparency and judicial neutrality are ensured across the board, this culture of abuse will remain entrenched.

Visiting a police station is still a frustrating ordeal for many in Bangladesh. Complaints are often dismissed or delayed, complainants face harassment under various pretexts, bribes are demanded, and middlemen exert undue influence. Though community policing and gender-sensitive help desks exist on paper, they often lack meaningful implementation. This environment breeds fear and mistrust toward the police. But professional policing demands more than just training—it requires empathy, compassion, and a genuine commitment to public service. To earn public trust, the police must build relationships grounded in respect and service.

Many officers want to remain honest and professional, but political interference often thwarts their efforts. From registering a basic general diary to investigating serious crimes, political influence frequently casts a shadow over decisions. The calls and verbal directives from local ruling party leaders often strip officers of their operational independence. This reduces the police to political instruments, creating a dilemma: should they answer to the law or to political authority? This internal conflict not only weakens the professionalism of the force but also erodes public confidence.

With every national election, controversy over police conduct resurfaces. Allegations of arbitrary arrests of opposition candidates and activists, voter intimidation, and even polling station takeovers on the eve of elections have become routine. These recurring scenarios feed public skepticism, weakening the democratic foundation. Unless the police can ensure a fair and safe electoral environment through political neutrality, the credibility of elections will always be in question.

In matters of promotion, transfer, and postings, political loyalty often outweighs professional merit within the police. Talented and upright officers are frequently sidelined due to a lack of political backing, while those with the right connections rise quickly. This fosters institutional inequity, frustration, and erosion of morale. Over time, such practices damage the force’s overall professionalism and objectivity. Merit-based advancement free from political interference is essential for building a truly professional police structure.

Incidents of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and custodial torture not only damage the police’s domestic image but also erode Bangladesh’s reputation on the global stage. Repeated concerns have been raised by international watchdogs such as the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. Major partners like the U.S. and EU have criticized Bangladesh’s human rights record in strong terms. These concerns pose significant challenges not only to diplomatic relations but also to economic cooperation—jeopardizing trade privileges like GSP or visa access. Although recent years have seen some reform initiatives, the core issue remains a culture of impunity. Breaking that cycle requires independent investigations, stringent accountability, and an impartial justice system. Only then can both domestic and international trust begin to rebuild.

In today's hyper-connected world, where digital media and citizen journalism reign supreme, police misconduct is no longer easy to hide. A single video clip, audio recording, or viral Facebook post can quickly transcend borders and dominate international headlines. This has limited the scope for unaccountable behavior and increased the pressure on law enforcement agencies. While this reality poses new challenges, it also opens the door for reform—by encouraging transparency, professionalism, and a culture of accountability. The biggest challenge for the police today is winning back public trust—and that can only be achieved through unwavering respect for the rule of law, political neutrality, and protection of human rights.

A stark divide has now emerged within the police force. On one side stand the committed, ethical professionals dedicated to justice, public safety, and the rule of law. On the other side lies an opportunistic faction—those who leverage political loyalty for career advancement and personal gain. This division has bred internal tension, undermined morale, and eroded the sense of unity within the force. Many competent officers now feel sidelined and disillusioned, leading to indecision and ethical conflict. Without resolving this dichotomy, the very foundation of police professionalism and institutional integrity may crumble.

Much of the police's current structure is still governed by the colonial-era Police Act of 1861. To meet the needs of a modern democratic state, reforms are urgently needed—such as establishing an independent police commission, transparent recruitment systems, autonomous investigation units, and internal audit cells. While there have been legislative attempts to this end, they often get stalled by political resistance and vested interests. The success of police reform hinges on genuine political will. Ironically, those who manipulate the police while in power often demand its neutrality when in opposition. This duplicity continues to derail progress. While the interim government deserves credit for initiating some steps, meaningful and lasting reforms require cooperation from both ruling and opposition parties.

The greatest barrier remains the lack of political will. Every ruling party wants the police to act in its favor. Though the interim government introduced some fresh perspectives, long-term transformation demands a united political commitment. Without that change in mindset, the status quo may quickly return. Yet, amidst all the challenges, there remains a flicker of hope. Many young officers today are committed to integrity and professionalism, often operating under great pressure. Civil society, human rights organizations, and independent journalism are gradually shaping a reformist momentum. This struggle will be long, but it requires steadfast determination and a sincere desire for change.

The Bangladesh Police stand today at a pivotal crossroads. They can either revert to a legacy of political servitude or boldly embrace a new, professional path. Their future—indeed, the very future of Bangladesh’s democracy—depends on the strength of accountability, independence, political will, and ethical leadership. If these elements converge, Bangladesh may finally lay a strong foundation for democratic governance, where the rule of law is not just a slogan but a lived reality.

The writer is journalist , social researcher, and secretary general, columnist Forum of Bangladesh.