TIB urges major revisions to draft Police Commission Ordinance to ensure independence, transparency

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called on the government to thoroughly revise the draft Police Commission Ordinance, 2025, warning that several provisions in its current form could jeopardize the independence and effectiveness of the proposed Independent Police Commission.

In a statement issued on Thursday, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said a detailed review of the draft revealed serious structural flaws that may turn the commission into “a government-controlled body and a retirement centre for former bureaucrats and police officials.”

He pointed out that the draft proposes a seven-member commission, including one retired bureaucrat and two police officers, which, according to TIB, risks compromising the body’s impartiality and credibility.

TIB urged the government to remove these provisions and instead include independent experts in law, justice, law enforcement, human rights, and good governance. It also demanded that the selection process be made transparent, with the final list of recommended candidates published publicly.

Addressing administrative issues, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the requirement for government approval in staff appointments must be removed, granting full authority to the commission. He proposed limiting deputation appointments to no more than 10 percent of total positions, adding that the commission’s decision should prevail if it disagrees with any deputation proposal.

He also emphasized that the provision allowing a retired police officer to serve as member-secretary should be scrapped. Instead, the secretary should be selected through an open, competitive recruitment process, hold the rank and salary of a government secretary, and serve as chief executive officer and a non-voting member of the commission.

To ensure true autonomy, TIB demanded a clear clause guaranteeing financial and operational independence, including the requirement for the government to allocate the budget requested by the commission. In return, the commission must publish its annual audited expenditure report on its website within seven working days of submission.

TIB further proposed that the commission be empowered to advise the government on police-related laws, security, intelligence, and surveillance policies. The organisation also urged the government to draft and pass a modern Police Act within six months of the commission’s formation to replace the colonial-era legislation.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman added that only individuals with proven neutrality, integrity, honesty, and commitment to human rights protection should be appointed as members of the new Independent Police Commission.