A dialogue held on Saturday focusing on law and order in the country emphasised the crucial role of political will in addressing systemic challenges within the country鈥檚 law enforcement agencies, particularly in the Bangladesh police.
Organised by the Centre for Governance Studies at CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital, the dialogue featured legal experts, policymakers, and activists, including former top police officials and academics.
Speakers outlined a range of pressing issues, including political interference, lack of accountability and British-era policing practices.
Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies chairman, retired major general ANM Muniruzzaman, said that reforming the security sector required more than policy changes.
鈥榃ithout political parties鈥� engagement, reforms will remain elusive,鈥� he said, advocating for modern techniques and public accountability.
Former inspector general of police Muhammad Nurul Huda said that political parties historically avoided modernising the police, preferring to use the force as a tool for political gain.
Supreme Court lawyer Rashna Imam criticised the Police Act 1861, calling it a relic of colonial rule that fosters control rather than public service.
President of a faction of Bangladesh Jatiya Party, Andaleeve Rahman, said that sustainable change required 鈥榞ood people in power鈥� and vigilance from citizens to prevent authoritarianism.
The dialogue also addressed the US sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion for human rights violations.
BNP chairperson鈥檚 adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon linked the issue to broader political reforms, while student representative at police reform commission Md Zarif Rahman called for justice in cases of police brutality.
CGS chair Munira Khan concluded the programme by urging exemplary actions to demonstrate a commitment to genuine聽reform.