Dhaka: The Council of Advisers has approved several significant ordinances, including the Police Commission Ordinance 2025, during its weekly meeting held at the Chief Adviser's Office in the Tejgaon area of the city. The meeting was chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced the approval at a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy. The newly approved Police Commission Ordinance 2025 establishes a five-member Police Commission tasked with modernizing the police force, ensuring accountability, and fostering a more community-focused approach. The Commission will comprise a retired Supreme Court judge as Chair, a retired government officer with district magistrate experience, a retired police officer of a rank not below Additional Inspector General, a university professor, and an expert in human rights and good governance.
Rizwana emphasized that the Commission's primary goal is to recommend measures ensuring the police operate without undue influence and remain committed to serving citizens. The ordinance mandates the Commission to propose steps for increased policing efficiency, transparency, and rights sensitivity. It will also handle public complaints against police, address police personnel's professional grievances, and conduct research on policing reforms.
The ordinance outlines the formation of a search committee, including an Appellate Division judge, the NHRC chairman, BPSC chairman, cabinet secretary, home secretary, and parliamentary representatives, to recommend appointees to the Commission. Additionally, the Council of Advisers approved amendments to the Representation of the People (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which introduce postal voting for expatriate Bangladeshis and clarify postal ballot validity and counting methods.
Rizwana further detailed that postal votes will be invalid if they contain multiple seals, lack a seal or a voter's signature on the accompanying declaration. Postal ballots received by the Returning Officer within the election day timeframe will be counted alongside in-person votes. The Council also approved drafts for the Forest and Tree Conservation Ordinance 2025, Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Ordinance 2025, and the Bangladesh Building Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2025, aiming to ensure building safety standards, address earthquake preparedness, and promote eco-friendly construction.
The building regulatory authority will consist of experienced architects, planners, and engineers, with licensed expert agencies handling enforcement. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder attended the briefing.