Law enforcers must provide clear identification during arrests: Asif Nazrul
Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Thursday announced comprehensive amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, introducing strict safeguards to prevent arbitrary arrests and ensure transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy on July 24, Asif Nazrul emphasised that the reforms mark a decisive break from past practices and aim to protect citizens' rights.
Mandatory ID verification during arrest
Under the new rules, any police or law enforcement agency conducting an arrest must clearly identify themselves. Officers are now required to present official identification, including their ID card, to the person being arrested, who also must show their ID if requested. This provision is now mandatory.
“The era of faceless arrests is over,” Asif Nazrul said. “No one can arrest in secrecy. Both the arresting officer and the arrested individual must be identifiable.”
Family must be informed within 12 hours
The amendment mandates that the family of any arrested person must be informed within 12 hours of the arrest. A formal arrest memorandum must be prepared at the time of detention, clearly stating the legal basis for the arrest, the specific offense or suspicion, the time and place of arrest, and the name and designation of the arresting officer.
This document must be immediately sent to the concerned police station and retained in official records.
Asif Nazrul condemned past practices: “In the fascist era, agencies would pass the blame – RAB would say the police know, the police would say RAB took him. Now, the responsibility lies with the agency that makes the arrest. Their office must keep full records: who was arrested, under which law, and whom they contacted within 12 hours.”
Arrests on suspicion now strictly regulated
The reforms significantly restrict the use of Section 54 of the CrPC, which previously allowed arrests on mere suspicion.
Now, police can only arrest on suspicion if they have reasonable grounds to believe the person committed an offense in their presence, or for offenses carrying a sentence of less than seven years, they must be satisfied that the suspect would flee if not arrested.
“These conditions must be met – and explained in writing,” Asif Nazrul stressed. “No more arbitrary detentions.”
Medical care and judicial oversight strengthened
The amendment requires that: Any arrested person with visible injuries or illness must receive immediate medical treatment. Every police station and district police office must maintain a regularly updated list of all arrested individuals, including date, charge, and legal basis.
Additionally, a new online bail bond submission system has been introduced, allowing digital issuance of warrants and faster judicial processing.
This, Asif Nazrul said, will reduce delays and strengthen judicial supervision.
“If these laws are properly implemented,” he said, “people will no longer be arrested or disappear arbitrarily. Harassment by law enforcement will end. This is a ground-breaking step toward justice and human rights.”