The country’s Police force is facing mounting difficulties in maintaining law and order as incidents of violence, attacks, and public unrest intensify across the country. Reports have surfaced of officers being ambushed during operations, police stations being vandalized, and accused criminals being kidnapped by mobs, undermining the force's ability to tackle crime effectively.
Field-level police officers voiced frustration over systemic issues that hinder their ability to enforce the law. Officers reported that while senior officials issue direct orders to control the situation, the field-level police are not involved in strategic planning or decision-making. As a result, they feel powerless, and higher-ups often fail to take responsibility for the outcome of these directives.
The officers also highlighted logistical challenges, such as the lack of travel allowances for investigators despite 80 to 600 liters of fuel allocations given to senior officers. Additionally, though police are required to enter case reports into the Crime Data Management System (CDMS), investigators are not provided with essential tools such as computers or laptops to do so.
Several officers expressed concerns over the growing reluctance within the force to take strong actions. Many fear facing administrative accountability or even the wrath of agitated mobs. Social media also poses a significant risk, with officers fearing public backlash if their actions are captured and shared online.
Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad Nurul Huda told that all the places where mobs are taking place and the people who create the mobs must be identified and brought to justice. At the same time, social pressure must be created. And an environment must be created where mobs cannot get through.
The increasing lawlessness is exemplified by a disturbing incident on Tuesday night, when a teenager accused of raping a six-year-old child in Khilkhet, Dhaka, was kidnapped and beaten by a crowd while being transported by police. This follows earlier incidents, such as student protests in February that led to the vandalism of two police stations in Uttara.
On March 17, the Chief Adviser held a meeting with 127 police officers at different levels across the country. In that meeting, DIG of Chattogram Range Ahsan Habib Palash said in his speech that now is a historic moment. If the Police Commission is not formed now, it will never happen. The Police Commission is a demand of police members at all levels. People are talking about reforms in various institutions. And the police force itself is talking about its own reforms. But no one is listening to police reforms in that way.
Crime and social expert Dr. Touhidul Haque said that in many cases, the police are facing security risks while enforcing the law. If we do not take strong action against those involved in this, the problem will increase.
(Translated by Tanvir Raihan)
