THE politicisation of police and the exertion of political control over law enforcement undermine the integrity and impartiality of policing. When police forces become subject to political influence, their priorities may shift from enforcing the law equitably to serving the interests of particular political groups or individuals. This erosion of neutrality can lead to selective enforcement, suppression of dissent, and a loss of public trust in the police as impartial protectors of justice. Moreover, it may compromise the professionalism and operational effectiveness of the police, as decisions may be driven by political considerations rather than objective assessments of public safety needs. To ensure accountability and public confidence, it is essential to establish and enforce clear legal and institutional safeguards that insulate police forces from political interference while fostering transparency, merit-based appointments, and adherence to the rule of law.
Citizens expect that the police force in Bangladesh must remain free from political influence, focusing solely on enforcing the law rather than advancing political agendas. Political interference in law enforcement has sometimes fostered public scepticism, with concerns that police actions may be swayed by political affiliations. To build a fair and unbiased police service, it is essential to establish strict policies that clearly separate law enforcement duties from political interests. Upholding independence in decision-making, promoting merit-based promotions, and enforcing adherence to legal principles are key measures to reinforce impartiality. A politically neutral police force not only upholds democratic values but also reassures the public that all individuals are treated fairly, regardless of political ties. The current process of transfers and postings for SPs and higher ranks, initiated by Police Headquarters and finalised at the top executive level of the government, opens the door to potential undue influence and favouritism since they go to the political leaders for assignment as they want. Delegating this authority exclusively to the IGP, in accordance with departmental rules and regulations, could help mitigate such interventions and promote a more transparent and merit-based system.
Police actions often come under scrutiny for allegations of partisanship, excessive force, and human rights violations, which have undermined public trust and political inclusivity. The issue of political authority over law enforcement is a focal point of contention between the ruling party and the opposition. Politicians regularly condemn the police for injustices, corruption, and violence, particularly during political demonstrations, attributing these faults to the ruling party, which leads to heated parliamentary and street disputes. Thus, the tripartite functional relationship among the police, ruling party, and opposition warrants careful evaluation, as strengthening the professionalism and accountability of the police is essential for sustainable political progress.
When police officers adopt a political tone in support of the government in power, it undermines the perception of their neutrality and professionalism, which are essential for maintaining public trust in law enforcement. Such behaviour can erode confidence in the police as an impartial institution and may create divisions within the force and among the public. To uphold their integrity, police officers must remain apolitical and adhere strictly to their duty of serving and protecting all citizens, regardless of political affiliations. Ensuring strict adherence to professional ethics and impartiality is crucial for sustaining the legitimacy of the police force in a democratic society.
The Bangladesh Police play a crucial role in ensuring election security by maintaining law and order, protecting polling stations, preventing violence and fraud, and upholding electoral laws, which are essential to fostering voter confidence and ensuring a fair democratic process in a politically charged environment. The police are also pivotal in mitigating pre-election threats, including coercion and intimidation by aspiring candidates against vulnerable groups, and addressing any actions of omission or commission that might disrupt peaceful elections. On election day, they safeguard the integrity of the voting process, prevent fraudulent practices like multiple voting or deceased individuals being fraudulently registered, and maintain peace to ensure a smooth transition to newly elected representatives. During the post-election period, their role remains critical in managing tensions, preventing violence, and ensuring stability amid conflicts between supporters of opposing political factions. Strengthening professionalism, training, and impartiality within the police force is essential to maintaining electoral integrity and reinforcing public trust in Bangladesh鈥檚 democratic system.
The police must remain apolitical, refraining from unethical practices such as ballot-stuffing on the eve of elections, and instead focus on preventing fraudulent voting, ensuring that only legitimate voters 鈥� living citizens 鈥� can cast their ballots. Paradoxically, while the police play a critical role in organising free and fair elections, they are often excluded from voting themselves, relegated to a status akin to second-class citizens in some nations. This sacrifice of a fundamental right underscores their designation as a selfless, service-orientated force, prioritising national welfare over personal or political interests. In many countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey, and Myanmar, police and military personnel face restrictions or outright bans on voting, aimed at preserving neutrality and preventing politicisation. While most democracies allow police to vote, they enforce strict codes of conduct to ensure impartiality. This ethos of service-driven neutrality is essential for upholding the integrity of democratic processes, as general elections are a cornerstone of political development and the foundation for establishing democratic governance and a robust civil society. In any future elections, people do not expect a repeat of the ballot stuffing seen in 2018, infamously known as 鈥榲oting at night鈥�, in which police were allegedly complicit.
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Protocol and dignitary protection
THE protection of VIPs and dignitaries by the police is a highly coordinated operation aimed at ensuring their safety while maintaining public order. It involves meticulous planning, including risk assessments, intelligence gathering, route security, and the deployment of specialised units trained in close protection, crowd control, and emergency response. Standard procedures such as police escorts, motorcades, advanced security sweeps, access control measures, and surveillance enhance security, often in coordination with other agencies. In Bangladesh, police officers are also responsible for providing protocol and protection to dignitaries, including members of parliament. However, when these officials visit their constituencies, officers frequently accompany them with sirens activated, even in the absence of significant security threats. This practice can disrupt public peace and divert police resources from other critical law enforcement duties, potentially compromising overall public safety and service delivery. Therefore, balancing necessary security measures with efficient resource allocation is crucial to maintaining both dignitary protection and broader law enforcement effectiveness.
In Bangladesh, the practice of assigning police officers to provide constant protocol and protection to dignitaries, including members of parliament, even in the absence of any discernible security threat, raises questions about the efficient allocation of law enforcement resources. The frequent use of hooters and the continuous presence of officers with dignitaries often divert attention from other critical police duties, such as crime prevention and public safety. This overemphasis on protocol services not only strains police capacity but also perpetuates a perception of inequity in law enforcement priorities. To address this, a balanced approach is necessary, ensuring that dignitaries receive appropriate protection when genuinely required while enabling law enforcement to focus on broader responsibilities that benefit the entire community.
The practice of police officers in Bangladesh being escorted by police while travelling in cars, coupled with the display of personal opulence, projects an image of privilege that can alienate both the public and their peers within the force. Such displays often create resentment among lower-ranking officers who may feel undervalued, and they erode public trust by fostering perceptions of inequality and misuse of authority. To address this, the police leadership must promote a culture of humility, accountability, and professionalism, ensuring that officers embody the principles of public service rather than privilege.
In conclusion, ensuring an impartial and professional police force is vital for maintaining public trust, upholding democratic principles, and fostering political stability. Political interference in law enforcement undermines the integrity of policing, leading to selective enforcement, suppression of dissent, and a loss of credibility. Strengthening institutional safeguards, promoting merit-based appointments, and enforcing strict ethical standards can help insulate the police from political influence. Additionally, balancing dignitary protection with broader law enforcement duties is essential to ensure efficient resource allocation and equitable service to the public. Ultimately, a neutral, accountable, and service-orientated police force is fundamental to reinforcing democracy, justice, and social harmony in Bangladesh.
To be continued
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Dr Md Motiar Rahman is a retired deputy inspector general of police.