Baroness Nuala O’Loan, the first Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, has laid emphasis on ‘ethical leadership’ with a clear code of ethics, human rights-based training, and a culture of accountability where neither police nor citizens are above the law.
“Ethical leadership has to come from the top down. That needs to be demonstrated. We need a lot more ethical leadership. The other thing that you need is ethical politicians,” said Nuala O'Loan, a renowned speaker on the issues of justice, human rights, reconciliation and peace, during a conversation.
During the conversation at Dhaka University’s Botany Department, she explained further, noting that ethical politicians understand the police force is not theirs, not theirs to use against people and not theirs to promote their private entrepreneurial ambitions, or whatever it is, it is a service to protect the people, their lives and their property.
“If people are breaking the law, then they are possibly committing a crime. So the police need to deal with that. If the people begin to attack the police, that's a criminal offense. If the police attack the people - that is a criminal offense,” Nuala O'Loan said, adding that both have to be dealt with equally as no one is superior or senior to the other.
“I think that's the essence of what one has to say - rule of law has to operate. It's hard, but that's how it has to be done,” she added.
Responding to a question, Nuala O'Loan said if police officers have committed crimes, they must be prosecuted. “I suspect this may not have happened as often in the past, but that must happen so the police must be subject to the rule of law, just as the people.”
She highlighted the need for strong moral principles within institutions, especially the police.
The conversation also explored governance and reform in Bangladesh, emphasising that sustainable progress depends on rule of law, peace, and stability.
A fair and independent process for selecting members of the policing board was outlined, ensuring diversity, integrity, and independence from political or police influence.
Nuala O'Loan underscored the role of women in national development, arguing that excluding half the population limits a country’s prosperity. Positive measures, such as equal recruitment and pay equity, were encouraged to promote gender inclusion and equality.
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She urged the students and young citizens to use their voices constructively—through social media, journalism, and community engagement—to inform others about reforms and promote lawful participation in nation-building.
Nuala O'Loan highlighted the importance of ethical reform, participatory governance, and communication grounded in human rights and the rule of law, with a belief that such an approach can guide Bangladesh toward stability and prosperity.
Earlier, she delivered a public lecture at the Department of Botany, University of Dhaka on “Justice and Reform: Lessons from the Irish Experience” on Thursday where students from various departments joined.
Ambassador of Ireland to Bangladesh Kevin Kelly, Dhaka University Treasurer Prof M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Chairman of Department of Botany Dr Ashfaque Ahmed, Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh Masud Jamil Khan, and Prof Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane, among others, were present.
The discussion centered on how governments can balance the urgency of public expectations for reform with the reality that meaningful change takes time.
The speaker emphasised the importance of transparency, ongoing communication, and public engagement throughout the reform process.
Responding to a question, Nuala O'Loan said, “I think that balancing the urgency of the need to get reformed requires a proper process, but there's also a need for communication about what you're doing while you're doing it. And I think if you can manage those two together, you are handling a very, very precious project.”
The speaker who is known for her courage and integrity said, “You make sure your training is human rights based so the police officers know that they can only use force if it's lawful, if it's necessary, and they can only use proportionate force, only the force which is necessary to deal with the situation, nothing more.”
She said, “If somebody is running away, you have no need to shoot them. They are not a threat to life. Therefore you have no requirement to shoot them. That's the simplest example of proportionality I can give you.”
