Police Commission Ordinance Finalised Without Serving Officers’ Representation

The government has nearly finalized the Police Commission Ordinance without including representatives from serving police officers, prompting dissatisfaction among the force. Officers have expressed concern that the draft, if implemented as is, could undermine the objectives and independence of the proposed commission. Senior police officials, however, have stated that serving members were excluded to ensure complete impartiality.

The draft Police Commission Ordinance 2025 has been finalized by Police Headquarters and sent to the Ministry of Law for vetting. After approval, it will be submitted to the President for formal enactment. The draft does not include immunity provisions for police actions.

According to the draft, the Police Commission will be a constitutional, independent, and self-governing body with its own office, budget, and staff, headquartered in Dhaka. It will oversee police conduct, investigate complaints, implement administrative reforms, and provide guidance on appointments, promotions, and transfers. The commission will also monitor citizen complaints, internal police grievances, and regularly audit police activities, while publishing an annual report to maintain public trust.

The commission will comprise nine members: a chairman, a member secretary, five permanent members, and two temporary members. The chairman will be a retired judge of the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division, and the member secretary a retired Inspector General of Police (IGP). Permanent and temporary members will include a retired senior civil servant, a retired senior police officer, a district judge or an experienced lawyer, a professor of criminology and criminal justice, a human rights activist, and at least one woman member.

The commission will ensure proper investigation of complaints against serving and retired officers, safeguarding complainants’ security and confidentiality. It may intervene in internal disputes over promotions, grievances, or discrimination and issue policy guidance to the government on recruitment, promotion, and transfers. It will also provide strategic direction for developing a modern, professional, and impartial police force.

IGP Baharul Alam noted that serving officers had submitted their proposals and concerns, but no action will be taken until the ordinance is enacted and the commission established. Once formed, the commission will review and address these issues.