BNP questions timing, intent behind government's police, NGO law plans

Fakhrul urges halt to “hurried” lawmaking, says public mandate required

The BNP has criticised the interim government’s initiative to pass laws on the police commission and NGOs, alleging a hidden agenda behind the move.

On Friday, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called on the government to refrain from rushing through the legislation.

He said, “Without the public’s mandate, it would not be appropriate to hastily pass such important laws.”

Fakhrul added that, according to “reliable sources”, the Muhammad Yunus government intends to push two laws quickly: a revised Police Commission Act and a new law governing NGOs.

He said such hurried legislation ahead of the national election could “obstruct” the democratic transition.

“We believe it would be more appropriate to enact these two laws through debate in the next parliament,” he added.

Following last year’s July Uprising that toppled the Awami League government, the interim administration initiated reforms across different sectors, including police restructuring.

Recommendations from the Police Reform Commission suggested that the structure, functions, and scope of a police commission should be decided through broader consultation.

Later, the July National Charter -- finalised with consensus among political parties and alliances --endorsed the formation of an independent police commission.

The proposal received agreement from 30 parties and alliances.

Following the signing of the Charter, the government began setting out implementation procedures.

Under this initiative, preparations have advanced to hold the parliamentary polls and a referendum on the same day.

Reports in the media, meanwhile, indicate that the government has finalised the draft of the Police Commission Ordinance, 2025.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has reportedly called for revisions to the draft before it is presented.