THE July uprising marked a significant turning point in Bangladesh鈥檚 history. It was driven primarily by the youth, especially students, who demanded a systemic change. This uprising was not merely a protest. It represented a collective yearning for a reformed governance structure that would prioritise democracy and the protection of rights. Central to this movement is the urgent call for police reforms as the police have for long been marred by corruption, inefficiency and political manipulation. The challenge lies in redefining what policing should look like and determining how to build a law enforcement system that serves the public.
Memories of police brutality are deeply embedded in the national consciousness with numerous instances of violence and injustice perpetrated by law enforcers. The acts are symptomatic of a larger systemic failure rather than the result of individual malice. It is essential to recognise that while accountability for wrongdoing is necessary, a wholesale condemnation of the police force is neither fair nor constructive. Such an approach risks undermining law and order further and emboldening criminal elements. Instead, we must understand how the police became what they are today, acknowledging that they have often been used as instruments of political power rather than as protectors of people.
The roots of the current state of policing can be traced back to the colonial past, when the police were established to serve the interests of the British rulers rather than those of the people. This legacy has persisted through successive governments that have exploited law enforcement to their own gains, leading to an erosion of public trust and increasing instances of corruption and excessive force. The outdated training systems and inadequate resources have left the police ill equipped to tackle modern challenges such as cybercrime and terrorism. Consequently, reforming the institution is not just an ethical obligation but an urgent necessity for sustainable governance.
Looking beyond Bangladesh, there are valuable lessons to be learnt from international policing models that prioritise community engagement and trust-building. Countries such as Japan have successfully implemented community-based policing systems that embed officers within neighbourhoods, fostering collaboration between law enforcement and citizens. Similarly, initiatives in the United Kingdom and the United States emphasise proactive crime prevention through strong relationships with local communities. Adopting such models could enable Bangladesh to envision a future where police officers are seen not as enforcers of fear but as partners in creating safer environments.
To achieve meaningful reform, several key measures must be prioritised. Establishing an independent oversight commission to monitor police conduct is crucial for ensuring accountability and transparency. This body would allow citizens to report misconduct without fear and ensure that investigation of abuses is conducted impartially. Additionally, implementing merit-based recruitment and promotion practices will help to restore public confidence in law enforcement by ensuring that officers are selected based on their skills rather than political connections. Comprehensive training programmes focused on rights and ethical policing must also become mandatory.
Community policing should be at the forefront of this transformation, encouraging partnerships between law enforcement and local organisations to address issues such as drug abuse and domestic violence at grass roots. Regular community engagement initiatives can help to rebuild mutual trust between citizens and police officers, reinforcing their role as allies in fostering safe neighbourhoods.
The uprising has opened an avenue for significant changes in the policing system, emphasising the need for a force that embodies efficiency, ethics, accountability and genuine services to people. However, the reforms must be accompanied with ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure their effectiveness over time. The people deserve a police force that champions justice and protects vulnerable communities while earning the trust of every citizen.
As we navigate this journey towards reforms, it is imperative for society as a whole to demand a police force that operates for the benefit of all rather than against them. The road ahead may be challenging and fraught with obstacles, but it is essential for building a future where justice prevails, rights are respected and every citizen feels secure.
听
Muhammad Tanbirul Islam, a research associate at the Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought, is editor of the Policy Pulse.
