NEWS > 15 February 2007

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Financial Express.bd - Banglad
15 February 2007

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EDITORIAL: The imperative is r

SOMETIME ago, a research organisation carried out a survey on the police and persons interviewed in it were invited to comment on the reliability of the present police force. An overwhelming 75 per cent replied in the negative to the effect that they had no confidence in the integrity or the efficiency of the police. The survey was conducted on a national basis and based on careful countrywide sampling. Therefore, its finding was indeed shocking.
There are, of course, members of the police force in Bangladesh who are, no doubt, true to their profession. But there are also a good number of them who are found to be lacking in morals and professional ethics and are not transparently guided by professional values. Political sheltering of criminals was cited as one reason for police's inability to move against known criminals. But in the last analysis this reason has also to be examined in a dispassionate manner to assess the overall integrity of the police administration. Honest personnel in the police department have to be placed in right positions to make things move in the desired direction.
A general disdain is noted among people in reporting crime incidents at police stations. This is because they feel that such reporting is futile since police would not normally make the GD entry of a case or would not properly investigate such a case without other consideration.
The improvement of the law and order is high on the agenda of the present caretaker government. But it is doubtful that it will be able attain this target on a sustainable basis without reorganising the police force. Reformatory activities within the police are a precondition for continuing success in the law and order improvement drive.
The number of policemen has lately increased considerably. So, it is not proper to claim that they cannot do their work because of their inadequate number. They have been provided with greater and stronger firepower and added logistical supports. Restoring integrity and sense of duty in the ranks and file of the police force remains to be the biggest challenge in the way of improving policing. If this can be done, the same will work like no other measure in improving police's performance.
Police is at the forefront of law enforcement and their efficiency and character are basic to good governance. The ensuring of a sense of security in respect of the lives and properties of citizens, law and order maintenance is also the precondition for economic growth. Because of law and order problems, a higher rate of investment activities which could go a long way in increasing employment, alleviating poverty and improving living standards of people in the country are being put on hold. The reforms of the police force and turning it effective is seen as indispensable not only for a sense of security of common citizens but this end is also very vital for the growth of the economy and economic well-being of the people.
Police reforms need to be started immediately. But such reforms must not be cosmetic in character or be limited to implementation of proposals for only physical expansion of the force. The greatest stress in any police reforms must be put on improving and strengthening of the morale of the police force while ensuring proper training and other facilities for the purpose.
Apparently, the task may appear daunting. But once taken up, it will be found not difficult. Completion of training for police duties at the Sardah Police Training Academy takes about a year for both policemen and officers. So, if the government adopts a plan and goes to work immediately, then it should be possible to train up all concerned police personnel while ensuring a transparent recruitment process. Undoubtedly, the decision to this end and its implementation will require political courage and staying power. But it can be done if the government remains steadfast in its vision and resolve. Besides, such a move will be nothing that the country will not be able to afford in terms of resources and organisational abilities. But carrying out such a plan for reconstituting or reorganising the police force could prove to be the most important step taken by any government in this country towards achieving the goal of good governance. The donors are likely to support it wholeheartedly and also the civil society. So, the government needs to fear nothing in going ahead to implement this plan.
The other very vital sides to police reforms would be creating such conditions that no government from now on can seek to use the police force to serve its own ends. Politicisation of the police must stop absolutely. Measures will have to be taken so that this scourge does not stage a comeback. The police also will have to be trained properly to respect human rights and to act within their jurisdictions.

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Article sourced from

Financial Express.bd - Banglad15 February 2007

EDITORIAL: The imperative is r

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Financial Express.bd - Banglad
15 February 2007