Dhaka: Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain emphasized the urgent need for forming an independent police commission to transform the force into a more humane entity. Speaking at a seminar titled 'Police Commission Formation and other reform proposals to ensure public oriented police services' at North South University, he stressed the necessity of this step to shift the police force from its current state to a more people-friendly institution. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sakhawat revealed that discussions with police members at various levels had been held since the interim government's formation on August 8, highlighting their demand for such a commission. He suggested that the commission should have a maximum of five members, possibly headed by an officer from the judiciary. Addressing concerns about political interference, Sakhawat, a former home adviser, urged for a depoliticized police force, especially following the tumultuous events of the July-August revolu tion. He highlighted the importance of reestablishing trust between the police and the public, noting that students were already playing a role in this effort. Sakhawat proposed citizen committees comprising noted personalities at police stations to support the force and advocated for a streamlined two-step recruitment process to curb corruption and irregularities. He pointed out the lack of promotion opportunities for lower-level police personnel, which often leads to frustration and misconduct. Enhancing benefits for the lower ranks could mitigate corruption significantly, he opined. Furthermore, he suggested that high-ranking police officials should familiarize themselves with the operations of their subordinates. Posting BCS police cadres at police stations for a year after their basic training at Sarda Police Academy could facilitate this understanding. He also recommended centralizing police recruitment to ensure transparency and accountability. In addition to Sakhawat, the seminar featured speeches by former Home Secretary and BNP Chairperson's Adviser SM Zahirul Islam, Deputy Inspector General of Police Barrister Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain, and Additional DIG Md Mohibul Karim. The concluding address was given by North South University Vice-Chancellor Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury. The event was moderated by SIPG Director Sheikh Toufiq M Haque, with a roadmap for the proposed police commission presented by Law Department Prof Dr Md Rizwannul Islam and Assistant Prof of Political Science and Sociology Department Dr Ishrat Zakia Sultana.
