DHAKA: The Police Reform Commission (PRC) has recommended significant changes to the current arrest provision under section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1889, which allows arrests without a warrant. This recommendation follows a survey indicating widespread public perception of the provision as abusive.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the PRC’s survey, “Kemon Police Chai” (What Kind of Police We Want), revealed that 82.5 percent of 24,442 respondents view section 54 as an instrument prone to misuse. The survey, part of the government’s efforts to make the police more public-friendly, highlighted a strong public desire for reform. Specifically, 46.2 percent of 21,637 surveyed individuals advocated for modernization of the section.
In addition to modernizing the provision, 39.7 percent of respondents suggested amending section 54 in line with recommendations from the High Court to prevent power abuse and uphold democratic values. The PRC has underscored the importance of incorporating public opinion and recommendations, following the release of its findings on December 3.
The survey also indicated that 14.1 percent of participants stressed the need to implement the High Court’s directives, issued at various times, to curb mistreatment under this section. This public sentiment emerges amidst domestic and international criticism of aggressive police actions during the recent Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
The interim government established the PRC to initiate comprehensive police reforms. Approximately 60 percent of respondents advocated for the creation of a commission to investigate human rights violations and power abuse by police officers. Furthermore, 20 percent recommended forming a permanent commission, preferably led by a retired High Court judge, to investigate such abuses.
Public opinion also strongly supports reducing political influence over the police, with 89.5 percent of respondents opposing the use of police forces for political purposes. Additionally, 77.9 percent demand an end to police corruption, and 75 percent call for accountability regarding human rights violations, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.
The survey data underscores the public’s demand for a law-abiding, corruption-free, and politically independent police force to maintain law and order. The full survey report is available on the Police Reform Commission’s website at www.prc.mhapsd.gov.bd.