Human rights abuses and criminal justice in policing practices in Bangladesh

Abstract

This article explores the reasons for human rights abuses in policing practices in Bangladesh. Following human rights practices in policing is challenging as Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies are involved in various forms of human rights violations. This study used mixed-methods research approach to enlighten the understanding of human rights violations in Bangladesh. In-depth interviews of 40 participants and survey responses obtained from 350 valid samples were considered for analysis. Thematic content analysis, factor analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were used to identify the key factors influencing human rights violations in policing. The empirical findings indicated that human rights violations in policing are influenced by three key factors: corruption, a culture of impunity, and the militarization of policing. These factors are correlated, their relationship is dynamic, and their combination results in human rights abuse in policing practices in Bangladesh. Finally, the article suggests some policy measures including the de-militarization and de-politicization of law enforcement agencies, breaking the culture of impunity, and eradicating corruption. However, major political, social, legal, and institutional reforms and the development of the human rights movement are needed for implementing these measures.