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Eighty-seven per cent of respondents in a survey have suggested introducing an ‘emergency call service’ to verify the identity of law enforcement agency members conducting any drive, arrest, or search without a court warrant.
Law enforcement agencies may conduct drives to arrest criminals, accused individuals, or seize contraband items. If they refuse to provide their identity, there should be a provision for an ‘emergency call service’ to confirm their identity, according to the respondents.
The opinion was part of a recent public survey on ‘what kind of police do we want’ (kemon police chai), conducted by the Police Reform Commission (PRC).
In response to public demand, the PRC has recommended incorporating these opinions into police law, according to a BSS report.
In a question posed to the public, the PRC highlighted the issue of law enforcement officers conducting house searches at night, both with and without uniforms. Sometimes, they also lack a search warrant or formal detention order, which the PRC identified as a factor contributing to enforced disappearances.
Of the 24,442 respondents to a question on addressing such practices, around 77.4 per cent suggested using GPS tracking systems and video recording devices by law enforcers during searches.
Seventy-five per cent of respondents called for the presence of a magistrate, local government representatives, or other eminent personalities during nighttime house searches.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Baharul Alam welcomed the PRC’s public survey, stating that the implementation of the proposals would make the police more accountable and people-friendly.
The survey also indicated that the public desires a law-abiding police force, free from corruption and political influence, to maintain law and order for every citizen, regardless of their identity.
Some 89.5 per cent of respondents supported ending the use of police force for political purposes, and 77.9 per cent wanted police to avoid corruption and misuse of power, according to the survey.
Additionally, 74.9 per cent of respondents advocated for holding the police accountable for human rights violations, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
The survey is now available on the PRC website (www.prc.mhapsd.gov.bd), according to a press release from the home ministry.
A cross-section of people offered diverse suggestions in response to the commission’s queries on creating a modern police force, the release stated.