Staff Correspondent

The issue of making the police free from political influence has been a topic of discussion in Bangladesh for a long time. Those who hold command in the police are often affiliated with the ruling party of that certain time. A government is formed by representatives from the majority political party in Parliament. In this context, how can we keep the police free from political influence? Is it even possible? Finding answers to these questions necessitates research.

The question of how to free the police from political influence has been a longstanding topic of debate in Bangladesh.

Command positions within the police often align with the ruling party of the moment, as governments are formed by representatives of the majority political party in Parliament.

This raises critical questions: How can we ensure the police operate independently from political pressures? Is it truly achievable? Research is mandatory to find out these questions.

At a lecture on the importance of research held at the permanent campus of Asian University of Bangladesh (AUB) in Ashulia on Wednesday (September 18) prominent sociologist Dr. Khurshed Alam made these remarks.

He stated that each piece of research aims to answer fundamental questions. While discussions about keeping the police free from political influence are prevalent, effective solutions are notably absent in our society.

“Without research, experimental efforts will yield no benefit. Through research, it is possible to restore the police force’s lost prestige and develop it into a public-friendly force,” he added.

Additionally, Dr. Khurshed noted that literature reviews in research have significantly improved systematically.

He advised those interested in research to deeply analyze previously gathered information.

Emphasizing the importance of social research, he remarked that many individuals remain confined to questioning a problem.

However, the real task is to not only pose questions but to conduct research and find solutions. Research is key to unlocking overall development, he furthered.

During the event, the Vice-Chancellor of AUB, Emeritus Professor Dr. Shahjahan Khan, emphasized that research outcomes must have an impact. The number of PhD degrees has increased, and it is time to move beyond merely assessing theses for granting PhDs. Establishing a publication requirement after completing research for earning a PhD is a demand of the times.

Furthermore, the university's Treasurer, Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam, highlighted the significance of research, noting that every issue in society has a contribution from research. Without agricultural research, for instance, the current food security situation would be unimaginable.

The event was chaired by Dr. Sayeda Akhter Begum, Head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at AUB, and was conducted by Lecturer Mir Farzana Sharmin from the same department.

The Bangladesh Institute of Social Research (BISR) is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-political organization focusing on social justice, development, and human rights. It aims to promote social change and improve the quality of life for marginalized communities through research, educational support, and advocacy for policy making as well as change.