Dhaka: The Police Reform Commission (PRC) has unveiled a series of proposals aimed at bridging the gap between law enforcement agencies and the public, with the ultimate goal of regaining public trust. The report emphasizes the formation of citizen safety committees at local police stations and the organization of regular town hall meetings.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the PRC report outlines the need for effective community policing and the introduction of educational programs to raise public awareness. The report suggests that regular town hall meetings could help rebuild trust and foster mutual understanding between the public and police. These meetings would include representation from various levels of the community, including local public representatives, administration officials, and educational institutions.
PRC Chairman and former home secretary Safar Raz Hossain presented the report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his office in Tejgaon. The report advocates for the establishment of Citizen Safety Committees at each police station to review and improve local law and order situations.
To further increase awareness, the PRC recommends incorporating policing and law-related subjects into school curriculums. The report suggests activities like "Be a policeman for a day" to create a positive perception of police work among students.
Moreover, the PRC emphasizes the need for a dedicated public relations strategy for the police, promoting services such as hotlines, particularly those for women, through media channels. The commission also calls for the strengthening and expansion of the existing community policing system, which could enhance police accountability and encourage public involvement.
The report concludes by stressing the importance of improving service-oriented police activities and promoting sincere, public-friendly policing efforts through strong publicity campaigns.