Police Commission Ordinance 2025TIB opposes inclusion of bureaucrats, calling for draft revision

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called on the government to revise the draft Police Commission Ordinance 2025, warning that it would turn the commission into a workplace for former bureaucrats and police officials.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, “The proposed inclusion of one retired bureaucrat and two police officials among the seven members of the commission risks transforming the body into a centre that rewards past loyalty and brings it under the control of the government’s executive branch.”

Calling for the provision to be abolished, Dr Iftekharuzzaman suggested that, in line with international best practices, the commission should be composed of impartial experts in law, justice, law enforcement, human rights, and good governance, including university teachers and researchers.

He also called for the removal of the provision requiring government approval for staff recruitment, instead placing full authority over recruitment with the commission.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman said that appointments on deputation should be made solely on the commission’s recommendation and approval, and must not exceed ten per cent of total positions.

“If the government proposes the deputation of any public official and the commission disagrees, the commission’s decision should prevail,” he added.

The TIB executive director also criticised another provision allowing a retired police officer to serve as the member-secretary of the commission, arguing that the authority to recruit all staff, including the secretary, should rest entirely with the commission through an open and competitive process.

TIB also recommended incorporating a provision stipulating that the secretary’s rank and salary be equivalent to those of a government secretary.

In addition to serving as the commission’s chief executive officer, the secretary should, by virtue of office, act as a non-voting member of the commission, TIB said.

Furthermore, the organisation said, the ordinance must clearly specify how a citizen with proven experience in human rights protection and the promotion of good governance will be included as a member of the selection committee.

TIB also called for the inclusion of a provision requiring the public disclosure of the final list of all candidates recommended by the selection committee.

It further suggested the inclusion of a clause granting the commission authority to make necessary recommendations and provide guidance to the government for the formulation or amendment of laws, rules, and policies related to police operations, as well as security, intelligence, and surveillance agencies, in order to clarify professional standards, scope of work, and ensure respect for human rights and sensitivity.

The statement also recommended including a clause requiring the government, within six months of the commission’s establishment, to prepare and enact a modern Police Act – drawing on positive elements of the long-shelved draft Police Ordinance 2007 – to replace the colonial-era law.

To ensure financial independence and transparency, TIB demanded the inclusion of a clause stipulating that “the government shall ensure allocation of the budget requested by the commission, and the commission shall publish its annual audited expenditure report on its website within seven working days of submission.”