Dhaka: The Police Reform Commission (PRC) has recommended that policemen and officers accused of killing and injuring students and others during the July-August Mass Uprising should undergo a fair trial to uphold the rule of law in the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the final PRC report emphasized the necessity of bringing the responsible police officers and their instructors to justice. The aim is not only to establish the rule of law but also to foster a positive perception of the police and restore public confidence in the force. The report highlighted that failing to hold the culpable police personnel accountable would legitimize the misuse of power, potentially leading to a more repressive system.
The commission advocated for fair trials for the accused officers as a precursor to any punishment for their roles during the uprising, which has fueled public resentment and distrust towards the police force. The report stated that such trials would cultivate a culture of responsibility and accountability among policemen, while simultaneously signaling to citizens that the state is committed to their protection and to preventing injustice.
The PRC expressed that fair trials would significantly contribute to transforming the police into a truly people-friendly force. However, the commission acknowledged that the brutal actions of the police during the uprising might have lasting effects on the relationship between the police and the public.
Currently, over 50 police personnel, including former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, are facing trial on charges of crimes against humanity and genocide during the uprising. Other officials facing similar charges include former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman, former additional inspector general and chief of Special Branch Monirul Islam, and former Detective Branch chief Hartun-ur-Rashid.
Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun was in jail to stand trial until last week, and recent police raids have apprehended five fugitive former police officers. These include Deputy Inspector General Molla Nazrul Islam and former police superintendents Asaduzzaman, Abdul Mannan, Abul Hasnat, and Shahadat, all linked to cases from the July-August uprising.