Advisory Council has approved a ordinance to establish a five-member Police Commission, aimed at modernizing the force, ensuring human rights compliance and improving public trust.

The ordinance was passed at a meeting of the Advisory Council chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Speaking at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the commission will work with the government to make policing more citizen-focused and independent.

Its mandate includes recommending modernization strategies, identifying training needs, and promoting human rights awareness within the police.

The newly passed Police Commission Ordinance provides for a five-member body headed by a retired Supreme Court judge who has also served as a district magistrate.

Members can include retired government officers of grade one or above, retired academics, or experts with at least 15 years’ experience in human rights and governance.

Adviser Rizwana noted that the commission will also handle citizen complaints against police officers and resolve professional grievances within the force.

“The commission’s role is crucial for enhancing efficiency, discipline, transparency and accountability in policing,” she said.
Additionally, the commission will advise on IT training, welfare management, capacity building and research or policy development related to police operations.