Allegations against officers must be investigated and appropriate action taken

The fact that a large number of senior police officers accused of playing controversial and violent roles in suppressing the anti-discrimination student-public movement are still serving in regular positions is deeply concerning. According to reports, nearly 35 percent of the senior officers who were on duty during the movement are still working in important police departments and training centres. Many of them face serious allegations, including indiscriminate firing and human rights violations, and cases against some are already under trial. In such circumstances, keeping accused officers in important positions or assigning them to different departments without any meaningful responsibility cannot be considered acceptable.

At a time when demands for fundamental changes are being raised across the country following the movement, such inconsistencies within the law enforcement agencies must be addressed. Keeping controversial officers in key positions or transferring them to training centres and specialised units can create the impression that they are being given a safe place to stay out of the spotlight. Such practices can damage discipline within the force, discourage honest and professional officers, and increase the risk of sensitive information being leaked. More importantly, allowing officers facing serious allegations to remain in service while judicial proceedings are ongoing can make it much harder to rebuild public confidence in the police.

It must be remembered that, in an independent and democratic country, the primary responsibility of the police is to protect the people not to serve the interests of any particular group or political establishment. The authorities must therefore learn from the past and take effective steps to reform the police force at every level.

We believe that officers who were directly involved in widespread human rights violations or in carrying out unlawful orders during the July movement should face prompt, impartial and transparent investigations. Where necessary, they should be kept away from administrative responsibilities while investigations and legal proceedings continue, in accordance with the law and relevant service rules. At the same time, the long-standing practice of using transfers or temporary attachments as a substitute for disciplinary action must come to an end. A transfer is not a punishment for serious misconduct. If allegations are proven, those responsible must face appropriate legal and administrative action.

There are also allegations against some officers who are currently outside the country. In such cases, the government should make use of international cooperation and, where necessary, Interpol assistance to bring them back and ensure that they face the legal process.

Above all, meaningful steps must be taken to free the police force from political influence and vested interests. The idea of establishing an independent and effective police commission should be seriously considered to ensure greater transparency in the recruitment, promotion, transfer and disciplinary processes involving police officers.

Restoring public confidence in the police is essential for ensuring the safety of ordinary citizens and maintaining law and order. The first step towards rebuilding that confidence is accountability. Allegations must be investigated fairly, those found responsible must be held accountable, and anyone proven to have committed wrongdoing must face appropriate legal and administrative consequences.