USING force by law enforcement is critical to maintaining public order and ensuring safety. However, it remains a highly contentious issue, often scrutinised for its ethical, legal and practical implications. While police forces globally are entrusted with considerable authority, including the power to use physical force, their actions must be carefully regulated to prevent abuse and maintain public trust. In this context, it is better to understand the principles governing the use of force, its challenges and best practices for ensuring accountability and ethical conduct.
The use of force by police and law enforcement agencies is the application of physical power, authority, or coercion to manage, control, or restrain individuals or situations in the interest of public safety and law enforcement. The use of force refers to the deployment of physical, psychological, or technological means by law enforcement agencies to accomplish a lawful objective. It can be divided into two categories: non-lethal force, which includes methods such as physical restraint, batons, tasers and chemical agents like pepper spray and lethal force, typically involving firearms or other techniques that pose a significant risk of causing death.
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Legal and ethical frameworks
INTERNATIONAL principles governing the use of force are manifested in documents like the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials, the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials (1990) and the UN Human Rights Guidance on Less-Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement (2020). All these stress necessity, proportionality, accountability and adherence to international human rights and humanitarian law. Force should be minimised and used only when absolutely necessary, with lethal force reserved for life-threatening situations. These frameworks emphasise matching the level of force to the threat posed, avoiding harm to bystanders and ensuring immediate medical assistance for injuries. They also advocate for transparent oversight, non-violent conflict resolution, de-escalation tactics and responsible firearm use to ensure law enforcement operates ethically while safeguarding justice and human rights in volatile situations.
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Minimising the use of force
The use of force, while sometimes necessary in the control of serious law and order situations, must prioritise de-escalation and responsible escalation to minimise harm and uphold ethical standards. De-escalation techniques, such as calm verbal communication, non-threatening postures and negotiation, are essential for preventing confrontations from escalating into violence. When force becomes unavoidable, it should follow a gradual approach, beginning with minimal measures like verbal warnings or the visible presence of law enforcement. If these fail, non-lethal methods such as physical barriers or dispersal tools, including water cannons or tear gas, can be employed. Lethal force, however, is a last resort and should only be used to protect lives when all other options have been exhausted, aligning with national and international human rights guidelines.
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The UN human rights guidance on less-lethal weapons in law enforcement
THE UN Human Rights Guidance on Less-Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement emphasises the responsible use of non-lethal tools such as tear gas, rubber bullets, tasers, sound grenades and beanbag rounds, ensuring compliance with human rights standards. These tools should only be used when necessary to maintain public order or prevent harm, not for punishment or intimidation. Proper training, strict controls and thorough documentation are essential to prevent serious injuries and ensure accountability. Specific guidelines include aiming rubber bullets at non-vital areas, restricting taser use on vulnerable populations and deploying tools like water cannons or sound devices only after warnings. By prioritising minimal force and safeguarding human rights, law enforcement can balance effective crowd control with the prevention of harm and escalation.
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Best practices in the use of force by police
EFFECTIVE police use-of-force practices emphasise clear policies, rigorous training, accountability and community engagement to align with international standards and build public trust. De-escalation techniques, implicit bias awareness, scenario-based training and non-lethal technologies reduce the reliance on lethal force, while body cameras and independent oversight ensure transparency. Community policing fosters collaboration and minimises confrontations, as seen in models from Scotland, Camden (New Jersey) and Norway, which prioritise negotiation and trust-building. Supporting officer wellness and analysing force-related data addresses systemic issues and improves decision-making. These approaches demonstrate the importance of balancing effective law enforcement with the protection of human rights.
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Legal framework in Bangladesh
IN BANGLADESH, firearms may only be used as a last resort in specific situations: for the private defence of persons or protection of property (Sections 96鈥�106 of the Penal Code), effecting arrests under certain circumstances (Section 46 of the CrPC), or dispersing unlawful assemblies (Sections 127鈥�128 of the CrPC). Their use must be strictly controlled to minimise harm and ensure public safety. Magistrates are crucial in authorising and overseeing the use of force, ensuring adherence to legal standards and providing detailed post-incident reports. Additionally, independent executive inquiries are conducted after firearm use to assess its justification and compliance with protocols, promoting transparency and accountability.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Rules 814 provide directives on the use of force and firearms. In addition, the Police Regulations of 1943 include Chapter 4, from Regulations 145 to 158, which covers the deployment of armed units and the use of firearms by police during riots and civil disturbances. However, the other seven Metropolitan police units and the Rapid Action Battalion lack specific operational guidelines for the use of firearms, as the existing procedures do not apply to these forces.
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Human rights concerns
IN BANGLADESH, political conflicts often arise from demands by opposition parties, reflecting the concerns of a significant portion of the population. However, instead of engaging in dialogue, the government typically resorts to police intervention to suppress protests, aiming to avoid political concessions and limit opposition leverage. This approach commonly involves the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, batons and sometimes live ammunition, leading to violent clashes, especially when opposition supporters resist. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of ruling party supporters, who, lacking proper crowd control training, use their political affiliations to justify aggressive actions against demonstrators.听This blurs the line between law enforcement and political partisanship, escalating violence and eroding the police鈥檚 impartiality.
The government鈥檚 reliance on force has resulted in casualties, social unrest and psychological trauma, deepening divisions between the government and the public. It has also damaged trust in the police, which is increasingly viewed as a tool of political suppression. This was starkly evident during July-August 2024, marked by significant loss of lives and property, primarily affecting young demonstrators. Reports suggest that approximately 44 police officers were also killed, while many others suffered injuries. Human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have criticised the heavy-handed tactics, documenting instances where peaceful protests were met with violence, leading to injuries and arrests. This strategy has undermined the credibility of law enforcement and its ability to maintain public order impartially.
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Lesson for the future
THE Bangladesh police force has a glorious past of service, playing a critical role during times of national crisis, especially during the war of liberation. On the night of March 25, 1971, when the Pakistan army launched 鈥極peration Search Light鈥� against the people of Bangladesh, the Rajarbagh Police Lines in Dhaka became the site of the first armed resistance. Around 2,000 Bengali police officers, armed with outdated rifles, valiantly faced a far superior force of 800 Pakistani soldiers backed by tanks, mortars and machine guns. Despite their valiant stand, many officers were killed and about 150 were captured. This battle at Rajarbagh not only marked the beginning of the armed resistance for independence but also the birth of the Bangladesh police force, with numerous officers sacrificing their lives for the nation鈥檚 freedom. During the Covid pandemic, the police continued to serve despite the risks, with nearly 200 officers losing their lives in the line of duty, second only to healthcare workers in terms of fatalities. During this period, the police were widely lauded as heroes, with their sacrifices evoking parallels to their valour during the War of Liberation.
In the wake of the July-August revolution, which led to numerous casualties, the police were branded as villains in what some call the Second War of Liberation. Critics argue that the police opposed the legitimate demands and aspirations of students and the broader public. Moving forward, it is imperative for the Bangladesh police to align with the rightful aspirations of the people. Police officers, fuelled by excessive zeal, played a significant role in this catastrophe, leading to substantial loss of life and property. However, it is hoped that the new generation of police will reflect on these events and come to understand the deeper significance of their role in serving the public, recognising that their duty lies in supporting the people鈥檚 aspirations rather than suppressing them. Conversely, politicians, civil society and the public must draw lessons from this movement and work towards reforming the Bangladesh police to ensure adherence to national and international protocols. This would enable them to address disturbances effectively while upholding justice and safeguarding human rights in volatile situations.
In conclusion, the use of force by law enforcement is a complex and sensitive issue that requires careful balancing between maintaining public order and protecting human rights. The recent events in Bangladesh highlight the urgent need for police reform to ensure that force is used judiciously, with an emphasis on de-escalation, accountability and respect for the rule of law. As seen throughout history, the role of the police is crucial in times of crisis, but it is equally important that law enforcement agencies act in service to the public鈥檚 aspirations rather than as an instrument of political suppression. Moving forward, both the police and political leaders must prioritise dialogue, accountability and adherence to international human rights standards to rebuild trust and strengthen the integrity of law enforcement in Bangladesh, ensuring that justice is served without compromising fundamental freedoms and that force is only used as a last resort and always in service to the greater good of society.
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Dr Md Motiar Rahman is a retired deputy inspector general of police.
