In light of the uprising last year, police reform is one of the most vital imperatives on the interim government plate before it hands over the reins to an elected government. The importance of revitalising the police to perform its duties as a civilian security force, following its demoralising capitulation alongside the Awami League government, which used them to fulfil their political objectives throughout its 15-year rule, has been felt by both the public and the government over the last seven months. With the police practically defenestrated, maintaining law and order has stood as the most significant challenge facing the interim government.

So it was disappointing to learn that further discontent has been created in the police force regarding certain recommendations of the Police Reform Commission, as well as its omission of several proposals that it considered essential. One of the primary concerns is the setting up of an independent police commission. The idea for such a commission had been presented, on behalf of the police, by the IGP to Safar Raj Hossain, the head of the Police Reform Commission (PRC). Discussions were held on the necessity of forming an independent police commission to ensure the professionalism and political neutrality of the force. This oversight body would have the power to make top appointments within the police force, and also be responsible for policies on recruitment, transfers and promotions, thus ending a long-held practice of politicians handpicking individuals. It would also take the police out from under the influence of the Home Ministry. This was seen as key to reforming the police, as the core issue within the police force over the years has been unlawful orders and political influence.

The proposed police commission would comprise 11 members with a retired Appellate Division judge or a retired IGP as the chairperson. It would be a statutory, independent and impartial body.

However, in its final report submitted to the government, the PRC did not come up with any specific framework in this regard. Instead, it stated that expert opinions should be sought and a thorough process of "examination and evaluation" should be undertaken before reaching a decision. Does that mean the PRC was formed with a lack of expertise?

Additionally, there is reportedly dissatisfaction within the force over the absence of an independent complaints commission to oversee police misconduct, from the recommendations. Nevertheless, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus sat with top police officials this week, in an effort to motivate them ahead of the process of implementing the reforms.

There, the CA assured them that It is not possible to build a country without an effective police force. Speaking about what is to be done by the police force of a new Bangladesh, Dr Yunus said, "There is no point in thinking about the past. We are ready for the new and we will show that. There is no need to speak about it. Through our work we will say, yes, this is the new police force of new Bangladesh."

The CA is an inspirational figure to most Bangladeshis. But in the absence of the requisite institutional reforms, we may yet see the police falling back into its bad old ways.