Zulkarnain raises questions over oil-gas rally, calls for police reform

Al Jazeera investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer has questioned the use of a large vehicle convoy for a political programme demanding solutions to oil and gas shortages, while stressing the need to free police from political influence and implement police reform recommendations.

In a post on his verified Facebook account on Saturday (19 September), he questioned the rationale of consuming substantial quantities of fuel while protesting fuel shortages.

On 5 September, the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance organised a long march from Dhaka to Chattogram, demanding solutions to shortages of oil, gas, electricity and fertiliser. Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) also joined the programme.

Zulkarnain cited a Police Reform Commission public opinion survey in which 89.5% of 24,442 respondents called for an end to the political use of police, while 77.9% favoured reforms to curb abuse of power and corruption.

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He called for an independent police commission to oversee recruitment, transfers and promotions, as well as improved training in modern investigation, forensics and cybercrime.

He also urged investigation into possible links between influential individuals and criminal networks, particularly in drug trafficking, and stressed that crime prevention must uphold human rights and the rule of law.

The Police Reform Commission published a summary of its recommendations in January 2025, including proposals for a politically neutral and accountable police force.