Role of Investigating Officer (IO) in Criminal Proceeding: Bangladesh Perspective

Abstract

Investigating officers (IO) play a prodigious role in the criminal justice system, because an investigation report is a very important document in most of the criminal cases, but sometimes it becomes a major obstacle in acquiring justice. Investigating office’s reluctance to appear in the court, false report given by IO or corruption may hinder victim’s access to justice. Investigating officers also face different challenges in case of an investigation and making a report which affects victims’ rights under the criminal justice framework. This paper cited primary bases as well as legislations, rules and regulations; and secondary bases comprising books, journals, law reports, periodicals and other resources from the internet. Consequently, an endeavour has been made to reconnoitre role of IO in the present procedure and practice of criminal investigation in Bangladesh. Specially, the challenges in the practice of investigation in Bangladesh are assessed. A mass of suggestions is also offered with the assumption that the reforms in the criminal justice system should be initiated first at the investigation stage. This article also attempts to disclose the role of IO under criminal proceedings and different obstacles as they face in Bangladesh, which may affect victims in criminal proceedings.

Keywords: Investigation, Criminal Proceeding, Police Report, Role of Investigating officer, Justice.