Police want repeal of custody death prevention law

Police Week is beginning today. Alongside other demands, the proposal to repeal the 'Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act, 2013' has been raised once again in this year's Police Week. The police have stated that this law creates obstacles to working independently. Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus inaugurated Police Week at 10:30 am at the Rajarbagh Police Auditorium. Later, senior police officials sat in an exchange meeting with the Home Adviser.

The theme for this year's four-day Police Week has been set as—"My Police My Country, Discrimination-Free Bangladesh". Among the various demands of the police this year are the formation of an independent cyber unit, increase in manpower, establishment of a police medical college, introduction of compensation allowances in the police, ensuring a woman-friendly work environment, and reform of the promotion and transfer system; alongside this, the old demand of repealing the 'Custodial Death (Prevention) Act' has been raised once again.

In a press conference, Inspector General of Police Dr Baharul Alam said, "There is no scope to say that the police are fully operational or in a position to provide complete service. However, at every moment we are facing challenges." He further stated that some recommendations regarding the formation of a police reform commission have been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The objective is so that the police can work more independently. It is known that the proposal regarding the repeal of the custodial death prevention law is among these recommendations.

However, this law was enacted in 2013 to prevent deaths, disappearances, and torture in police custody. According to the law, there is an obligation for a fair investigation and action against those responsible in such incidents. Some changes have also been brought this year on the occasion of Police Week. Although there is no parade like other years, for the first time this year, an exchange meeting with civil society and journalists has been arranged. The IGP further said, "The police are active on issues like mob violence.

Even in such cases, if there is any negligence by any police member, action will be taken in that regard."