Security agencies are currently facing various types of unjust criticism. Especially after the change in the country’s political situation, the intensity of such criticism has become more evident. There are multiple reasons behind this, but the main one can be stated in a word—the agencies abandoned professionalism and in doing so, damaged their own institutions. Those state actors who were supposed to guide these agencies in the right direction instead used them to serve personal interests. Consequently, some influential figures within the security agencies, by satisfying the regulators or those in authority, also gained unethical advantages.

In the state, officials and employees transformed from being servants of the people into their masters and a source of fear. Merely hearing the names of certain individuals from the security agencies would terrify ordinary citizens. As a result, the country has had to face various forms of criticism both domestically and internationally.

Some individuals living abroad, despite being concerned about the potential dangers to their relatives at home, have also actively engaged in tarnishing the image of the country’s security agencies. Some did this for personal gain, others for political motives. On social media, security agencies became the subject of indiscriminate criticism.

There is a saying— “That which is not edited is not journalism.” Yet, people of the country are far more influenced by unedited content. They do not bother to distinguish between truth and falsehood. What is presented in a flashy manner, they accept at first glance. Even if later the misinformation is corrected with accurate evidence, many people remain fixed in their original stance. As a result, the initial flashy falsehood becomes ingrained in their hearts and minds.

Therefore, it will take time for the country’s security agencies to emerge from this crisis. Because the fear and distrust created among the people toward these institutions are the results of both sensationalist social media content creators and certain ambitious officials within the agencies themselves. Every member of the security forces must act professionally. For this, some specific measures are necessary:

1. Enhancing Transparency and Accountability

• Information Disclosure: Wherever possible, security agencies should release transparent information regarding their operations, policies, and procedures. This would reduce misunderstandings, prevent rumors, and restore public trust.
• Regular Communication: Establish consistent and open communication with the media, civil society, and ordinary people. Press conferences, seminars, or online Q&A sessions can be arranged.
• Internal Investigations: When allegations arise—whether baseless or not—an impartial internal investigation should be conducted. Cases should not be quietly shelved after internal satisfaction but rather disclosed publicly, unless they threaten state or institutional confidentiality.
• Effective Grievance Redressal: Ensure a simple and reliable mechanism for citizens to lodge complaints, along with timely resolution.

2. Public Engagement and Trust-Building

• Community Policing: Expand community policing or community engagement programs to strengthen ties with local people. This will create direct communication and help dispel misconceptions.
• Awareness Campaigns: Present the roles, challenges, and successes of security agencies in an accurate and engaging way. Awareness dramas, short films, and advertisements through social media, television, or other mass media can be used.
• Training and Sensitization: Regular training on public engagement, communication skills, and public service-oriented behavior should be mandatory. Officers must be sensitized to human rights and legal frameworks.
• Mutual Respect and Cooperation: Security personnel must treat the public with respect. Until proven guilty, suspects should not be treated with discourtesy. Agencies should also seek public cooperation, when necessary, which will play a vital role in building trust.

3. Rapid and Effective Response

• Countering Rumors Quickly: Baseless criticism or rumors must be countered swiftly with accurate information. Social media should be prioritized, since it is the most accessible medium due to the country’s rapid digital expansion.
• Legal Action: If baseless criticism becomes defamatory or malicious, legal measures should be taken and publicized widely.
• Evidence-Based Responses: Responses should be based on facts and evidence rather than emotion. Security agencies possess more advanced tools and data than the average citizen, so their arguments must be presented with logical analysis and technological backing.

4. Maintaining Staff Morale

• Internal Support: Baseless criticism can demoralize staff. Agencies themselves must provide psychological support. They should also ensure personal data and security protection for employees when they face personal attacks.

Root Causes of Baseless Criticism

• Misinformation and Rumors: False information spreads rapidly on social media and online platforms, damaging the reputation of security agencies.
• Politically Motivated Allegations: Often, political rivals or interest groups spread false accusations for their own purposes.
• Lack of Information and Transparency: In some cases, inadequate information about agency activities creates misconceptions.
• International Pressure and Human Rights Concerns: International organizations sometimes raise serious allegations against security forces, which influence local media and citizens.
• Misuse of the Digital Security Act: The previous Digital Security Act (now Cyber Security Act) faced allegations of restricting freedom of speech and media, fueling distrust of security agencies.

Strategic Solutions

1. Enhancing Transparency and Accountability
   • Timely and accurate information disclosure, especially on sensitive operations, to reduce rumors.
   • Regular press conferences, press releases, and website updates.
   • Impartial and swift investigations of complaints, with action against proven offenders.
2. Effective Communication and Public Awareness
   • Develop constructive relations with the media through briefings and workshops. Advanced countries no longer rely on media suppression but on engagement.
   • Use social media actively to counter misinformation with verified facts. Collaborations with credible third parties may also help.
   • Promote awareness campaigns to improve public ability to identify false information, and collaborate with fact-checking platforms.
3. Research and Analysis
   • Identify the sources, actors, and motives behind baseless criticism through in-depth research.
   • Consult ICT experts, media specialists, and sociologists to develop effective counter-strategies.

Tackling baseless criticism is not solely the responsibility of security agencies. Rather, it requires joint efforts from the government, media, and civil society.