Staff Reporter

Police verification for government, semi-government, banking jobs and other fields will no longer factor in political affiliations or the political activities of relatives, according to Safar Raj Hossain, Chief of the Police Reform Commission.

He announced the change on Monday (November 18) following a meeting with Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

Safar Raj explained that the police verification process, in place since 1928 under British colonial law, often led to discrimination. “Questions regarding a candidate’s relatives’ political involvement, especially if they opposed the government party, have historically excluded many qualified individuals from jobs,” he said. “We have recommended eliminating such practices.”

While Safar Raj stressed the importance of police verification to prevent criminal infiltration into public service, he emphasised that the process should not cause unnecessary hardship. “Verification will continue, but political considerations about relatives will no longer be included,” he said.

The Police Reform Commission, operational since October 6, is preparing its report, which is due on December 31. The report includes recommendations that vary in complexity—some can be implemented quickly, while others require financial resources, legislative changes, or long-term planning.

KEY ISSUES UNDER REVIEW INCLUDE:

Arrest and Remand Laws: Sections 54 (arrest without warrant) and 167 (remand) of the Criminal Procedure Code are being evaluated in collaboration with the Law Ministry. Safar Raj noted that existing High Court and Supreme Court rulings mandate family notification upon arrest and strict adherence to legal guidelines.

Corruption in the police force: Safar Raj called corruption the “number one enemy,” saying that reducing it enhances efficiency and public trust. Discussions on police salaries and structural reforms are also underway.

Depoliticisation of government departments: Recommendations aim to remove political influences from the police and other government sectors. “In the last 15 years, political connections have fueled corruption and unwarranted promotions. We are committed to stopping this,” Safar Raj asserted.

While the commission has yet to address the contentious issue of arrests in plain clothes, Safar Raj assured that directives would follow. The overarching goal is to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency in law enforcement and public service sectors.

The commission’s recommendations mark a significant step toward modernizing the police system and addressing long-standing grievances about bias and inefficiency.