HRW Urges Political Neutrality in BD's Public Service Appointments

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the Bangladeshi government to uphold political neutrality in recruitment and promotion processes within key public services, including the civil service, police, and judiciary. The organization highlighted the importance of curbing political influence in personnel decisions to ensure fairness and accountability in the country’s public sector.

In its latest 50-page report, titled "After the Monsoon Revolution: A Roadmap to Lasting Security Sector Reform in Bangladesh," HRW emphasized the need to regulate political involvement in critical areas such as the recruitment and promotion of officials. "A key concern is to ensure strict political neutrality in the discharge of public duties by restricting political involvement in personnel-related issues," the report states.

One of the major points raised in the HRW report was the appointment of judges based on political allegiance, which the organization argues has contributed significantly to the erosion of the judiciary’s independence in Bangladesh. Citing Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, HRW quoted, "The appointment of judges based on political loyalty in the High Court is a major factor behind the collapse of Bangladesh's judiciary. No matter how sensitive or contentious the term 'reform' is, we have no alternative to it."

HRW also called for an independent oversight system for the appointment of members to crucial institutions such as the Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, and the National Human Rights Commission. The organization recommended that civil society be consulted in these processes to ensure impartiality and transparency.

To address entrenched impunity, HRW urged the Bangladeshi government to revise or repeal laws that hinder accountability. One key recommendation was the repeal of Section 197(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, which requires government approval before criminal charges can be brought against public officials, including police officers, for offenses committed during their official duties. Similarly, HRW advocated for the removal of Section 132, which mandates prior government sanction before prosecutors can file criminal complaints against state officials.

HRW also called for the removal of the "good faith" clause in the Armed Police Battalion (Amendment) Act 2003, which it argues provides blanket immunity for security force abuses. The organization urged the government to implement international standards on the use of force, including mandatory reporting and independent review of all law enforcement actions involving the use of force, not just lethal incidents. These reforms would align Bangladesh’s practices with the UN’s Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.

HRW stressed that police should use nonviolent means whenever possible and apply force proportionally, with lethal force only used when absolutely necessary to protect life.

By ensuring political neutrality and improving accountability, HRW believes Bangladesh can pave the way for lasting reforms in its public service sectors, ultimately strengthening the rule of law and human rights across the country.