Dhaka, Dec 15 (V7N)- Safar Raj Hossain, Chief of the Police Reform Commission, has announced plans to propose a policy limiting the use of lethal weapons by police forces in Bangladesh. The proposed reforms aim to align with practices in several European countries, steering away from the United States' approach to policing.

Speaking at a meeting on police reform on Sunday morning, Safar Raj Hossain stated, “We are working to transform the police into a peace-loving force that collaborates with citizens rather than opposing them. The police should not be seen as adversaries of the people.”

Training and Reform Goals

The commission’s reform proposal emphasizes gradual training to reduce reliance on lethal weapons. Hossain noted, “If the government agrees, these reforms can be implemented over time, ensuring police are equipped to operate harmoniously with the public while minimizing violence.”

Framework for Accountability

Police Reform Commission Member Secretary Abu Momtaz Saad Uddin Ahmed highlighted the need for accountability within the force. He remarked, “We want to see the police as friends of the people. For this, the force must operate within a defined framework that prioritizes public trust and transparency.”

Addressing Past Allegations of Police Misconduct

The meeting also provided a platform for victims of alleged police brutality to share their grievances. Relatives of those who disappeared or faced violence in the past decade recounted their suffering, accusing the police of continued oppression.

Victims expressed the need for an apolitical police force and called for an end to the misuse of police power. Many participants demanded that corruption within the police, especially bribery, be eradicated.

A Vision for Change

The commission's recommendations aim to reshape the relationship between law enforcement and citizens, ensuring the police act as protectors rather than oppressors. The proposed shift in weapon use policy and the commitment to addressing past grievances signal a significant step towards restoring public confidence in law enforcement.

These reforms, if approved, could mark a transformative chapter for policing in Bangladesh, prioritizing peace and public service over force and fear.

END/MSS/AJ