The BNP has recommended the dissolution of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), which is currently under US sanctions for serious human rights violations.

The proposal was part of the recommendation the party voluntarily made to the Police Administration Reform Commission on December 5, BNP Standing Committee Member Hafizuddin Ahmed said at a press conference held at the party chairperson's office in Gulshan yesterday.

Established in April 2004 during the tenure of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, Rab has faced intense criticism both at home and abroad for its controversial actions. In 2014, BNP Chairperson Khaleda also called for the force to be disbanded.

"This is stated in medical science as well -- when gangrene sets in completely, there is no alternative but to amputate. Rab has become internationally condemned and has turned into a monstrous force within the country. Most of the killings, disappearances and extrajudicial killings were carried out by Rab. Therefore, we have recommended its dissolution," Hafizuddin said.

If Rab is disbanded, necessary steps must be taken to ensure that its responsibilities are transferred to the Armed Police Battalion and police stations.

"We believe that dissolving Rab at this moment would send a positive signal to the public."

The other recommendations include forming a Police Commission, establishing citizen committees at the upazila level, and introducing a proper documentation process before arrests to prevent abuse of power.

"Rab has become internationally condemned and has turned into a monstrous force within the country." Hafizuddin Ahmed

— BNP Standing Committee Member

The police commission would serve as both a watchdog for the police and a body that provides recommendations.

The commission's chairman will be the chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on the home ministry if parliament is in session.

If parliament is not in session, a retired Supreme Court judge will serve as the interim chairman of the commission.

This eight-member commission will include a ruling party lawmaker, an opposition lawmaker, a university professor, a senior lawyer from the High Court, a prominent citizen, an additional secretary nominated by the home secretary and an additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) nominated by the IGP, who will act as the member secretary of the commission.

The government will determine the selection process for the commission's members, framework and tenure through regulations, Hafizuddin said.

The citizen committees at every upazila or thana level would help the police to prevent crime and improve relations between the police and the community.

The chairman will be a local figure, while the officer-in-charge (OC) of the local police station will serve as the member secretary.

The other members will include two Union Parishad members, one teacher, one businessperson, one imam, and local representatives from political parties with seats in parliament.

The party has proposed that the commission require police to create a formal document detailing arrest information before detaining anyone.

To prevent abuse of power, the proposed form should include details of the arrest and be signed by the arresting officer, the officer-in-charge and the unit head.

A copy of the form must also be provided to the arrested individual to ensure transparency and hold officers accountable, Hafizuddin said.

The party has called for better training on human rights and discipline in police training institutions.

Police training institutions are often seen as "dumping grounds" for officers accused of misconduct, which undermines the quality of training, Hafizuddin said.

"To improve this, those working in training institutions should be given extra allowances and benefits."

The party has proposed two-tier recruitment for police.

The police force recruits through four entry points: constable, sergeant, sub-inspector and assistant superintendent of police (ASP).

The party suggested reforming this system by introducing a two-tier recruitment process.

Under the proposed system, the first tier would involve recruitment for the constables, while the second tier would be for ASP and that would be filled through the BCS examination.

To curb corruption within the police force, the BNP has proposed decentralising the powers.

"The procurement authority, currently controlled by the Police Headquarters, should be handed back to field-level officials," said Hafizuddin, adding that ensuring the rule requires police officers to submit an annual declaration of their assets.

The party also proposed strengthening medical facilities at the district level to ensure better treatment for family members of police.

"If the people entrust the BNP with governing the state, we will work to implement the recommendations we have made."

After August 5, at least 488 police officers sought protection from the military authorities in cantonments.

"Every one of these 488 individuals was either a criminal, corrupt or involved in enforced disappearances or killings. That is why they sought shelter. I do not think it was the right decision for the military to shelter them."

After the movement, there were no police for 3-4 days. There was no government either.

"It is difficult to pinpoint who was truly responsible. I believe that since they sought shelter inside the cantonment, military officials or senior officers from the cantonment might have had a role in their escape. But we cannot say this with certainty. Over time, this will surely come to light," Hafizuddin added.