Our women police

We can be rightly proud of the fact that Bangladesh is perhaps one of the first countries in the region to induct women in the police when the initial recruitment started in 1974. Although in percentage terms women in the force is less than ten, the absolute figure is substantive when one considers the social constraints that are associated with women doing jobs outside their home, and more so working in the police. Bangladesh also has the distinction of becoming the first Muslim majority country to contribute all-women police contingent to UN peacekeeping. But one wonders whether the work environment guarantees the women members of the force the safety to contribute their best to their profession? 

It is shocking to learn that ten percent of women in the police suffer sexual harassment in the line of work. The disturbing data has emerged from a survey report that was launched in Dhaka by Manusher Jonno Foundation and the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative on Tuesday. Where is the security of the women of an organisation that is supposed to provide security to others?  

Policing is a challenging and difficult undertaking in any country, more so in Bangladesh. And there should be no hesitation in admitting that women police lend a humane face in policing. And as such we should have more of them in the force.

While repeating our call for police reform, the recommendations are gathering dust somewhere in the secretariat, we urge the authorities concerned to address the issue of work environment of the women police starting immediately by declaring zero tolerance for sexual harassment in the force.