Reforms are needed not only within the police force but also in the political parties that control the police when in power, along with all institutions directly linked to police activities, said speakers at an event yesterday.

The event, titled "Why Police Could Not Become People-Friendly in 53 Years? Police Reform: Why and in Which Direction?" was organised by Humanity Foundation at the CIRDAP auditorium.

Former IGP Nurul Huda argued that a people-friendly police force requires a shift in the vision of those who control it. "Without a change in mindset at the top, reform is impossible," he said.

Speakers also said that colonial-era police laws must be urgently updated.

Supreme Court Registrar Iktedar Ahmed criticised the low conviction rate in Bangladesh, which remains below 5%. He attributed this to weaknesses in investigations, which are hampered by political interference.

He said that Public Prosecutors and judges are often appointed based on political recommendations, undermining impartiality in the justice system.

Zakia Shishir, the grandmother of Mir Mughdho, a martyr of the July-August mass uprising, questioned the reasons behind the police's perceived poor behaviour. "Has there been any internal research to address these issues?" she asked.

Dr Mazharul Islam, a history professor at Jahangirnagar University, called for a change in Bangladesh's political culture to end the concentration of power. "This has led to the promotion of incompetent people in key positions to maintain control," he said.

Former DIG Mejbahunnabi expressed concerns over the Rapid Action Battalion's training, saying many officers receive less than the six months of training required by UN standards. He also pointed to an increase in extrajudicial killings since RAB's formation.

DIG Golam Rasul called for a system to ensure state accountability, referring to a recent incident during the mass uprising where those responsible for ordering the shooting of protesters did not keep any written record of their decision.

The speakers said comprehensive reforms are necessary across the entire justice system to restore public trust.