DHAKA, Dec 15, 2024 (BSS)- The Police Reform Commission (PRC) has suggested reforming the existing provision of arresting a person under Section 54 of the CrPC 1889 without a warrant.

The PRC came with the recommendation as 82.5 percent respondents in a survey on 24,442 people considered the Section 54 as abusive.

PRC conducted the survey on ‘Kemon Police Chai’ (what kind of police we want) as part of the government’s initiative to make police more public friendly.
 
Forty six point two (46.2) percent people of total 21,637 respondents opined that the Section 54 of the CrPC should be reformed and made modern.

In order to prevent the abuse of power and preserving the values of a democratic society, 39.7 percent respondents suggested that Section 54 should be amended as per the recommendation of the High Court.

The PRC released the findings of its survey on December 3 last and agreed with the public opinion saying it is very crucial to take into account the opinions and suggestions of the people.

Fourteen point one (14.1) percent respondents have opined that it is important to implement the directives of the High Court given at different times to prevent mistreatment of this section.

The public survey was carried out in the wake of recent criticism at home and abroad about the exercising aggressive power by some police personnel during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

The interim government formed the 'Police Reform Commission' to reform the police force.

About sixty (60) percent respondent suggested formation of a commission to investigate the allegations of human rights violation and abuse of power by police.

Twenty (20) percent people suggested formation of a permanent commission led by a retired High Court judge to investigate the abuse of power by law enforcers.

Some 89.5 percent people opined that using police force for political purposes must be stopped and 77.9 percent want police not to indulge in corruption.

Some 75 percent respondents demanded that police must be brought under accountability for violations of human rights, forced disappearance and extrajudicial killings.

The country needs a law-abiding, corruption and political influence free independent police to maintain law and order.

The survey report is now available on the Police Reform Commission website www.prc.mhapsd.gov.bd