Reviving public-police relations vital

Re-establishing the relationship between the police and public has become an urgent need, said Shipping Adviser M Shakhawat Hossain yesterday.
The police must turn into a “humane” force, one that serves people without political interference, he said while speaking at a seminar titled “Formation of a Police Commission and Proposals for Other Reforms to Ensure Public-Oriented Police Services”, at North South University.
The seminar focused on police reform and the necessity of forming an independent police commission to create a more people-oriented police force.
The formation of an independent police commission is essential to reshape the police force, said the adviser.
“After August 8, I talked to police personnel of different levels, and they made it clear that they no longer want to be part of a politicised system. They seek a professional, independent force that works for the public,” said Shakhawat.
He highlighted the importance of political parties in the country showing commitment to such reforms.
He stressed that police reforms must be treated as a national priority and noted that restoring public trust in the police was vital for the country’s social stability.
Prof Dr Md Rizwanul Islam and Dr Ishrat Zakia Sultana from North South University presented a roadmap for police reforms and proposed a comprehensive plan for the formation of a police commission at the event.