Written by Syeda Fatima Sultana
Revolution isn’t solely about destruction but about building something better. Yet, when we look at the police system, we often notice signs of its decline. The weary officer at a signal or a kid rushing across the road makes us ask, “What is blocking advancement?” To find the answers, we need to study history.
As Winston Churchill remarked, “The further back you can look, the further forward you are likely to see.” Just as the roots of a tree determine its development, understanding the origins of the police system in Bangladesh is essential. Like a mystery box, it holds clues to how management, public faith, and the police system evolved. Why are individuals dissatisfied with the system in 2024? Was trust established from the outset, or did outside influences cause it to diminish, resulting in public skepticism? Reflecting on our history will help reveal why the system’s foundation is fragile and provide us with the concepts necessary to reconstruct it—establishing a system based on trust, safety, and advancement for all.
The history of the Bangladesh Police reveals a long and evolving journey, deeply rooted in ancient governance systems, with adaptations made over centuries to meet the needs of society. This history can be traced back to around 400–500 CE, when a rudimentary yet effective policing system primarily focused on gathering intelligence and maintaining societal order. During ancient times, influenced by thinkers like Kautilya, the primary role of the police was to act as enforcers, ensuring state security by preventing anti-government activities. The focus was on serving the ruling authorities rather than directly protecting the people.
However, this focus shifted during the mediaeval period under Muslim rulers. The role of the Muhtasib emerged, who was responsible for law enforcement and supervising public morality. This change marked the beginning of a broader role for the police, where their responsibilities started to extend into the realm of public service. The policing system evolved further during the Mughal period, particularly under the reign of Emperor Akbar. The Kotwal became the head of police in major cities, supported by an administrative framework that included the Faujdar (the emperor’s representative), Mir Adl (judicial head), and Qazi (chief judicial officer). This system allowed for efficient law and order maintenance, especially in urban centres like Dhaka, where the legacy of the Kotwali police station persists today.
As time progressed, the role of the police in Bangladesh transformed from one focused on enforcing authority to a broader public service. Still, the question remains: Does the current police system uphold these foundational principles, or has it deviated from this trajectory?
The modern evolution of the Bangladesh Police system is a complex interplay between historical legacies and contemporary needs. While the police force today derives its identity from centuries of development, it is still heavily influenced by the colonial-era framework established during British rule. The Police Act of 1861, introduced by the British after the First War of Independence in 1857, marked the first organised policing system in the Indian subcontinent. This act was primarily designed to improve crime prevention and investigation but was also used as a tool of control and suppression by the British government. Much like the Kotwals of the Mughal era, the British-era police were focused on ensuring state dominance, although their emphasis was more on enforcing colonial authority than on serving the public.
Following the partition of India in 1947, the “East Bengal Police” inherited this British system. The continuation of colonial-era practices led to a lingering mistrust among the public, as the police force was often perceived more as a tool for maintaining authority rather than serving the community. Even after Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, the police system retained much of its colonial legacy.
Over the years, efforts have been made to modernise the system. Laws like the Police Act of 1973, the Criminal Procedure Code of 1898, the Special Powers Act of 1974, and the Arms Act of 1878 were introduced to address contemporary challenges and improve operational effectiveness. Additionally, initiatives such as community policing in the early 2000s, human rights training, and the use of technology were implemented to foster a more service-orientated and community-focused approach. These reforms were intended to rebuild public trust and align the police force with modern societal expectations.
Despite these efforts, public trust in the police remains low due to persistent inconsistencies, weaknesses, and systemic challenges such as corruption and lack of accountability. The historical pattern of prioritising control over service continues to overshadow the institution’s reputation. The distrust in the Bangladesh Police is largely attributed to the adoption of Western-inspired community policing systems without adequately considering their relevance in the country’s socio-cultural context.
Some researchers suggest that Bangladesh should adopt a centralised policing model. In England, for example, the police transitioned from community-based systems to a professional and centralised force under the Metropolitan Police Act of 1829. Similarly, Japan’s policing underwent five distinct stages of reform, ultimately balancing efficiency with community engagement. Researchers highlight Japan’s model as an example Bangladesh could emulate, blending centralisation with local participation to foster trust.
Despite these recommendations, the Bangladesh Police system remains deeply influenced by its colonial past. While reforms such as the UNDP-funded Police Reform Program (PRP) have introduced systems similar to Western Community Policing Forums (CPF), they often fail to address the unique socio-political challenges of Bangladesh. The result is a police force that functions more as rulers than protectors, focusing on maintaining control and suppressing dissent rather than serving the people. This is evident in the nation’s history of revolutionary struggles and blood-stained grounds, where the police have often been seen not as a force for public service but as a tool for oppression, reflecting a lingering colonial mentality. Despite gaining independence, the mindset of British rule continues to shape the police force’s approach to governance, and this historical legacy remains deeply embedded in the fabric of the institution.The Police Act of 1861 remains a cornerstone of its legal framework, a lingering symbol of its colonial legacy. While community policing was introduced in 2007, its implementation has yet to achieve the desired impact due to a lack of adaptation to local realities.
The July Revolution of 2024, also known as the Student–People’s Uprising, highlighted the deep-seated mistrust in Bangladesh’s police system. This pivotal moment in the nation’s history saw severe government repression, including the “July massacre,” where numerous protesters were killed. Such events cement the perception of the police as enforcers of authority rather than protectors of the people. The police’s role during the revolution echoed their historical function as suppressors of dissent, further alienating them from the public.
The fragile foundation of Bangladesh’s police system is not a new phenomenon—it is the culmination of centuries of history, shaped by the tension between authority and service. As we reflect on this history, it becomes clear that addressing the root causes of public distrust requires more than modern technology or superficial reforms. It demands a fundamental shift in how the police are perceived and how they operate.
But the story does not end here. The deeper question remains: Why does distrust in the police, especially the traffic police, continue to grow stronger in 2024? What specific factors have amplified this scepticism, despite efforts to modernise and reform the system?
In the next part of this exploration, we will delve into these pressing questions, uncovering the forces that have entrenched public distrust and identifying the steps needed to rebuild a system worthy of trust and respect. For now, one thing is certain: understanding history is the first step towards creating a better future.
Sources:
- History of Dhaka Police: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/history-of-bangladesh-police/108598758?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Dhaka Metropolitan Police: https://dmp.gov.bd/history/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Research on Urban Traffic Management: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380667267_Research_on_Urban_Traffic_Management_Evaluation-Taking_Dhaka_City_as_an_Example
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/history-evolution-police-laws-bangladesh-bdlex-manupatra-vhpif/
- https://www.police.gov.bd/en/history
- https://www.academia.edu/12599946/History_Of_Bangladesh_Police_Ancient_Period_of_Bangladesh_police
- Hossain, M.A. and Rahman, M., 2017. Exploring the Factors that Affect Citizens’ Trust in Bangladesh Police. Democracy and Governance-Contemporary Issues in Bangladesh., pp.41-88
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