Welcome to the Presentation on Police Reform Initiatives in Bangladesh Presented by N. B. K. Tripura, Additional Inspector General, Bangladesh Police and National Project Director Police Reform Programme

Police reforms in Bangladesh Outline of the presentation: Political context in Bangladesh Police reform initiatives underway Obstacles to reforms

Political context of Bangladesh Dysfunctional political competition Weak system development in the politician- administrator interface (misuse of political power) Unreformed key strategic sectors Breakdown and decay in oversight functions

Political context of Bangladesh (Contd.) People perceive the police as agents of the party in power and not of the State. Police rules by authority and not by consent Chase political opponents rather than the criminals Caretaker Government has introduced Rule of Law and expresses firm commitment to accomplish the Police Reform within a short timeframe.

Key Findings of Public Attitude Baseline Survey (UNDP-Bangladesh 2006): % of respondents perceive Police performance is obstructed by outside interference, influence or pressure. 71 % of Police respondents feel that pressure stems from political parties and other pressure groups (Trade Unions, lawyers, etc.). Political context of Bangladesh (Contd.)

Key Findings of Public Attitude Baseline Survey (UNDP-Bangladesh 2006): Police needs to be accountable, act in public interest and not be above the law. Tendency to hide behind the complexity of policing as the means of excusing poor management and leadership has to be shunned. Political context of Bangladesh (Contd.)

Police reform initiatives currently underway in Bangladesh From a police force to a police service: 1.Legislation, rules and procedures  Rewriting of Police Act-1861 is under process  Review and amendment of Police Regulations, Bengal 1943 (PRB).  Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) rules restructured and amended  Review police rules and procedures, and complaints mechanism  Revision of primary criminal laws and regulations

Police reform initiatives currently underway in Bangladesh 2.Strengthen infrastructure of police  Modernizing police equipment  Improve forensic investigation (equip. + training)  Refurbish 36 and establish 6 new Model Thanas (MTs) (PRB).  Introduce automatic arms in Bangladesh Police ( )  Computerization of Bangladesh Police  Create One Stop Crisis Centers for victims

Police reform initiatives currently underway in Bangladesh 3.Training and organizational changes  Curricula upgrading in training centers and schools  Human resource development and training  Strengthening oversight mechanisms and accountability  Establishment of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)  Separation of duties for Law and Order; and investigation

Police reform initiatives currently underway in Bangladesh 4.A people oriented police service  Service delivery centers in metropolitan police stations  Pilot changes in police practice and develop police community partnership in MTs  Improve Police vs. Public ratio (currently 1:1200)  Increase number of women police  Victim support and juvenile justice  Address trafficking of human beings

Police reform initiatives currently underway in Bangladesh The approach: ‘Reform of the police, by the police for the community’

Obstacles to Reform Initiatives Obstacles to reform initiatives 1.Organizational factors  Lack of organizational willingness to reform  Lack of organizational traction and motivation to carry the reform through.  Absence of operation independence  No specialized police units to deal with emerging crimes (money laundering, cyber crimes, low intensity conflicts or insurgency etc.)

Obstacles to Reform Initiatives 2.Contextual factors  Lack of coordination between police and other law-enforcing agencies.  Frequent changes / transfer in the Police and key decision makers.  Vested interests  Lack of political will  Colonial mindset

Obstacles to Reform Initiatives 3.Resource and information shortages  Need to improve coordination between the MoHA, PRP and Bangladesh Police.  Police is under-resourced, especially in terms of wages and facilities.  Absence of research and analysis cell In short: Police reforms are long-term, difficult and expensive to implement by nature, but that should not prevent us from doing it.

Thank you for listening patiently.