Dhaka: The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has stressed the need for ensuring political neutrality in Bangladesh in the process of recruitments and promotions in the public services such as the civil service, police, and the judiciary. “A key concern is to ensure strict political neutrality in the discharge of public duties by restricting and strictly regulating political involvement in personnel-related issues such as recruitment and promotions, including the civil service, police, and the judiciary,” it said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the HRW highlighted these issues in its recently released 50-page report titled “After the Monsoon Revolution: A Roadmap to Lasting Security Sector Reform in Bangladesh.” The report quotes Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, who emphasized that the appointment of judges based on political loyalty is a major factor behind the collapse of Bangladesh’s judiciary, asserting that there is no alternative to reform despite its sensitive and contentious nature.
The US-based human rights watchdog suggested that the interim government should establish independent oversight on appointments to all key institutions, including the Election Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the National Human Rights Commission, through civil society consultations. To address entrenched impunity, the government should repeal or amend laws that impede accountability, including specific sections of the Criminal Procedure Code that require government approval for prosecuting public officials.
Additionally, HRW recommended the removal of the “good faith” clause in section 13 of the Armed Police Battalion (Amendment) Act 2003, which provides immunity for security force abuses. It also urged the introduction of standards for the use of force by law enforcement, requiring mandatory reporting and independent review of all force used, in line with international standards.
The HRW report underscores the necessity for police laws to align with international standards, such as the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. These standards advocate for the use of nonviolent means wherever possible, proportional use of force relative to the seriousness of the offense, and the use of lethal force only when unavoidable to protect life.