In Bangladesh, the police approach crowd control without prioritizing negotiation, diverging from the standard practice in most democratic societies. Typically, crowd management strategies involve a gradual escalation from verbal warnings to non-lethal means like water cannons and tear gas before resorting to physical force. This approach aims to exhaust a crowd’s patience before using coercive measures, emphasizing the state’s restraint.
However, Bangladeshi police often bypass these intermediary steps and swiftly resort to aggressive tactics. Incidents have been documented where prominent political figures and activists faced physical violence, reflecting a concerning trend of excessive force. Ordinary citizens have also experienced brutal treatment, with officers swiftly escalating confrontations, sometimes even in the absence of genuine threats.
This tendency towards immediate force is exacerbated by the police’s historical alignment with ruling parties, compromising their neutrality. Under the Awami League administration, party affiliates were observed collaborating with law enforcement during crackdowns, blurring the line between party muscle and official police operations.
Despite recent changes in government, observable alterations have been limited to superficial aspects like uniform changes. Reports have emerged of opposition members being assaulted in the presence of police, suggesting a continuation of biased practices. Instances of selective enforcement of prohibitory orders and gender-insensitive handling of detainees further underscore the lack of reform within the police force.
In addition to operational shortcomings, the institutional bias within the police force perpetuates a culture of impunity and partisanship. Officers often face pressure to prioritize political interests over impartial law enforcement, perpetuating a cycle of abuse of power. This top-down influence trickles down to junior officers, compelling compliance with questionable directives to avoid repercussions.
The repercussions of this systemic failure were starkly evident in the events of July 2024, where police indiscriminately targeted civilians, including journalists, in a display of excessive force. Such actions highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reform beyond mere training initiatives.
Addressing these deep-rooted issues requires holding accountable those issuing unlawful orders and establishing an independent oversight body to investigate misconduct. Protections for whistleblowers and guidelines to prevent political interference in police operations are essential steps towards restoring public trust in law enforcement.
By enforcing strict adherence to procedural standards and ensuring individual accountability, Bangladesh can move towards a police force that upholds the rule of law and serves the public interest. Only through systemic reforms can the police be transformed into a neutral and responsible institution, free from political influence and committed to protecting citizens’ rights.
