Police Reforms Rollout: Online FIRs to Curb Case Trade, Says Home Adviser
Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has announced that citizens will soon be able to file cases and general diaries (GDs) online instead of visiting police stations, as part of efforts to eliminate "case trade" (malpractice in case filing).
He made the statement on June 10 after inspecting Gachha Police Station under the Gazipur Metropolitan Police.
"The police force’s reform is an ongoing process, and we have taken up a pilot project," said Chowdhury, a retired lieutenant general. "Previously, there were complaints that police hesitated to accept GDs and cases. Now, we have introduced an online system for filing cases. GDs can already be filed from home, and we have launched this in Sylhet. Soon, it will be expanded nationwide."
He added, "Just as passports no longer require police verification, people won’t need to visit police stations for GDs or cases. This will reduce harassment. The move to digitize case filing is aimed at stopping case trade."
Addressing concerns about custodial abuse, Chowdhury said, "We will introduce glass-walled interrogation rooms so that others can observe whether detainees are being mistreated."
When asked about delays in investigating cases related to the post-August 5 anti-discrimination student protests, he explained, "Progress is slow because many accused are involved. Some are guilty, but many are likely innocent. Earlier, police would file cases against 10-15 named individuals along with numerous unnamed persons. Now, complainants themselves list 200-250 unnamed accused, complicating investigations."
The adviser warned that no corrupt police officials would be spared. "We have already attached 84 officers of various ranks, and 30-40 have been sent home. If another 30-40 need to be dismissed, I won’t hesitate," he asserted.
"Corruption is Bangladesh’s biggest problem—it’s deeply entrenched. Controlling it would accelerate national progress. We seek journalists’ cooperation in raising public awareness. Truthful reporting can bring positive change," Chowdhury added.
Earlier, he inspected Gachha Police Station and barracks, accompanied by Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dr. Nazmul Karim Khan and other senior officers.
