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Major Achievements |
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Police Reform Programme (PRP) was launched on 11 January 2005 with joint collaboration of UNDP, DFID, EC and the Bangladesh Government. Over the last four years there have been significant achievements by the project culminating in achieving score 2 in “Output to Purpose Review” made in June 2008 by the Department for International Development (DFID). Scoring 2 in the assessment means there has been good progress towards purpose completion and most outputs have been achieved, particularly the most important ones. There has been a considerable media interest in the project. Likewise development partners have also been monitoring these achievements closely. Key achievements of the project are as follows:
Component 1: Crime Prevention The Bangladesh Police Crime Prevention Strategy (CPS) has been drafted and is in process of review with Bangladesh Police (BP). The CPS is based on a fundamentally new approach, which requires BP to assume wider responsibility for crime prevention. In particular, it shifts the emphasis from reactive "crime control"; which deploys most resources towards responding after crimes have already been committed, towards proactive "crime prevention" aimed at preventing crime from occurring at all. Community Policing, a relatively new concept in Bangladesh, is being explored as a way to bring the community and the police together in resolving problems at the community level. Although in its infancy, examples of successful community policing initiatives in Bangladesh are evidence of the interest that already exists, and the potential of taking this concept further. Thus, a Community Policing Strategy has been developed for institutionalizing the concept on a solid foundation, which is in process of review with the MoHA. “Police Open Days” have been re-introduced as a platform for Community–Police interaction. They operate as a forum to exchange information on crime prevention and an opportunity to simply “be together”. Each of the 11 Model thanas including all other thanas (replicated) has organized a “Police Open Day” once a month through out the year. Commonly discussed at the Open Days were ensuring quick responses, preventing harassment of people from false case, preliminary investigation before filing a case and community policing. Bangladesh lacks services and also appropriate legislation to address domestic violence. PRP in collaboration with the 'Citizen’s Initiatives’ has prepared a bill for a new law on prevention and protection from domestic violence. The law has translated into Bangla and a number of workshops were organized at the community level to get feedback from different communities. A proposed bill titled “The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill” was submitted to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs for vetting on behalf of the 'Citizen’s Initiatives”. Gender Guidelines and its implementation The first-ever Gender Guidelines for Bangladesh Police was released in late 2007 with the aim to lead to a gender sensitive re-orientation in the attitude of police towards women & children so that all people whether victims, accused, or witnesses are treated with dignity and respect. Adjoining launching of the guidelines, initiative was taken to establish a committee in each of the thanas across Bangladesh to monitor implementation of the gender guidelines. Till December 2008, 168 gender committees were formed. Orientation & training on implementing gender guidelines has been completed in 9 model thanas for 433 police personnel. Juvenile Justice National Action Plan co-drafted in late 2007 and proposals for implementation have commenced during a roundtable meeting. The NPA was submitted to the Caretaker Government for approval in August 2008. A concept note on cooperation between the PRP and UNICEF in the area of justice for children has been drafted in collaborations of Bangladesh Police. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Standard Operating Procedures for crime investigations, especially serious crime-case management system developed and is currently under review by the Bangladesh Police. Refurbishment of Model Thanas (MTs) The philosophy of “Model Thana (MT)” has been institutionalized in order to initiate the transformation from re-active enforcing towards a “pro-people, service-oriented policing.” Refurbishment of the MTs was completed in 2007. Refurbishment work included the construction of a reception area, provision of appropriate seating for visitors, male and female toilet facilities and introduction of a Service Delivery Centre. ICT equipment (computers, printers, scanner, PABX telephone system and other peripherals) and Local Area Network (LAN) have been provided together with modern office equipment and furniture in all 11 MTs. Construction of New Model Thanas Probably first ever in the history of Bangladesh Police, construction of six new MTs has been undertaken based on comprehensive need assessment of infrastructure for office and residence combining with furniture and equipment. Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) was preferred by GoB to carry out the construction work of the new MTs. Physical construction work of building is ongoing at foundation and superstructure level in three MTs namely Katiadi (approx. progress of foundation work is 20% and super structural work is 3%); Gangachara (approx. progress of foundation work is 25% and super structural work is 4%; and Dhamurhuda (approx. progress of foundation work is 15% and super structural work is 3%). In Sonagazi, Bahubal and Hathazari MTs the foundation construction of building has been started with no remarkable progress. The structural design of foundation of those three MTs had to review further due to soil condition found poor than initial exploration report. This caused delay in commencement of work. Refurbishment of Crime Prevention Center at PHQ has been completed to act as a central research, policy and strategic formulation body for Bangladesh Police and to support for preventing local crime. DIG Crime has been selected and acting as the focal point and one ASP was assigned for managing the center. Victim Support Centers have been conceptualized to enhance the capacity of police to better respond to the needs of victims by improving the existing Victim Support facilities. A pilot VSC, staffed by trained police officers and NGO representatives, has been established at the Tejgaon Women Police Barrack, Dhaka. Refurbishment work completed and the VSC will be inaugurated on 17 February 2009. Ten NGOs with the experience in various areas of victim support have been identified to voluntarily support victims jointly with Bangladesh Police. To support this enthuse, Memorandum Of Agreement (MoA) has been signed between NGO and BP on 18 December 2008. This model, which is seen as a significant and groundbreaking strategy that will provide a focal point for victims to report crime to police in a safe and secure environment whilst accessing professional services. BP has planned to replicate this model later on in other areas of the country. PRP Coordination Office at Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) PRP extended its activities into the CHT to introduce community policing and community partnership. Refurbishment of PRP coordination office at Rangamati has been completed and inaugurated in 21 June 2008 to coordinate the reform process of police in CHT. Establishment of a women and child service centre in CHT is also ongoing. The design of the proposed building for the centre is currently under review with PHQ and Rangamati District Police. A pilot school programme is also under review by Rangmati District Police. Bangladesh Police Women’s Network First ever in Bangladesh and in South Asia, Bangladesh Police Women’s Network for female police officers has established. The network was formally launched on 21 November 2008. A constitution has been developed and endorsed by the BP and versions are now available in English and Bangla. The network will help the policewomen to foster women’s development at national, regional and international levels and above all to take their place in the development of the country. Production of a video documentary on the role of women police has commenced. Also, the network will contribute to the development of leadership among the policewomen in Bangladesh and will address imperatives such as the increased exchange with international forums and networks dedicated to the policewomen’s cause.
Component 2: Investigations, Operations and prosecutions Forensic evidence is critical to ensure the successful investigation and prosecution of many crimes. From the beginning, the Forensic Science Branch exists within the CID as a separate division. The dependence on confession is a contributing cause of generally poor perception of the police by the community and a reason for dismissal of many cases in court. The use of forensic techniques to support investigations can significantly reduce the pressure on investigating officers to obtain forced confessions and can enhance the success of investigations and prosecutions. Considering all this in mind PRP has developed Forensic Science Strategy for BP “To develop a solid legal basement for all kind of being already in use and future modern forensic techniques to be used in the process of crime detection”. An Evidence Act Drafting Committee (EADC) was assembled in June 2007 to prepare the Amendment to the Evidence Act. On the basis of comprehensive consultations among committee members and extensive review of existing documentation during the period from June to October 2007, the EADC has:
The proposed ordinances along with a final report prepared by EADC have been submitted to MoHA in November 2007 for vetting process. MoHA requested comparative study of the proposed “Identification of prisoners, accused, suspected and related to the crime scene persons Act”. Proper document presented to MoHA on 17 January 2008. Translation of document into Bangla accomplished. Vetting and approval of the legislation is underway. Cox’s Bazar Special Beach Unit Bangladesh Police recognizes the need of establishment a special beach unit at Cox’s Bazar for the safety and security of the tourists. An evaluation of beach outposts has been completed, and identified the needs and future activities. Procurement of goods and equipment has been completed and handed over to the Beach Unit on 3 February 2009. Establishment of Forensic Laboratories Two Forensic Laboratories have been established in Dhaka and Khulna in 2007. 20 air conditioners, 10 computer tables and chairs have been handed over to Dhaka CID Forensic Lab. 10 computers, 10 scanners, 10 laser printers have been installed in different units of Forensic Lab Dhaka according to the needs analysis. Ten photo cameras with tripods have been procured and delivered to Police following completion of six-week Scene Of Crime Officers (SOCO) training. The use of forensic techniques to support investigations can significantly reduce the pressure on investigating officers to obtain forced confessions and can enhance the success of investigations and prosecutions. Based on this ground, equipment support, including training, is being provided to Dhaka and Chittagong forensic lab to enable the Central Forensic Laboratories to carry out examinations of secured evidence and to support the District level in crime scene investigations.
IBIS procurement completed and installed at CID in November 2008. Training for operators (10) and system administrators (2) accomplished and system is now operational. Training needs on forensic awareness analysed and training curriculum for “Forensic awareness course” has been prepared. Police station fingerprint pack Procurement of police station fingerprint pack for the model thanas completed and will be deployed till the end of Phase 1. A thematic work group is preparing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Model Thanas to implement the “taking fingerprints from suspects” procedures at Thana level. Procurement of police station camera pack is underway. While most of the items have arrived and been installed, the photography systems cannot be implemented because of delays in receiving lighting kits, vital component of the system. Action is ongoing to recover the missing items. New Bangladesh Police Ordinance 2007 Drafting of a new Bangladesh Police Ordinance was one of the major achievements in 2007, to replace the Police Act of 1861. Bangladesh Police has completed consultation at the grass root level complying directions of the Chief Adviser’s Office. Consultation findings were submitted to MoHA in August 2008, to further inform MoHA’s vetting process. Police Regulation of Bengal (PRB) Whilst the Police Ordinance is the legal framework for Bangladesh Police, the Police Regulation Bengal incorporates the operational backbone for every action undertaken by police. Their amendment is nonetheless as important as the enactment of the Ordinance, as the Regulations ensure that the tools needed by Bangladesh Police are up to date and adequate to face the challenges nowadays and in the future. The amendment process of the PRB has been initiated in April 2007. A high-level advisory working group (with representatives from BP & PRP) was established in April 2007 to oversee the PRB amendment process.
Component 3: Human Resource Management and Training The training strategy for the Bangladesh Police “From Training Need to Learning Approach”, based on findings of the Needs Assessment, was developed in close cooperation with Bangladesh Police training institutions and published in June 2007. It provided the fundamental working document for the first ever Head of Police Training Institutes (HoT) Conference in September 2007. The objectives of the session were (1) to strengthen the formal linkages between the executive members of the training institutions and, (2) to provide a forum for discussing training issues, including strategic planning, innovation and opportunities for training. A total of 2878 police personnel were trained on various issues and subjects related to operational, management and leadership, including: (i) Crime Prevention and Community Safety; (ii) Gender; (iii) Communication, psychological background on victims of crime; (iv) Crime Scene Management; (v) Criminal Intelligence Analysis; (vi) Forensic Awareness; and (vii) Generic Murder Investigations; (viii) Train The Trainer’ (TTT); (ix) Effective Media Relations; and (x) Human Trafficking Investigations.( detailed information in annex-I) Overseas Study Tour/Conference A number of study visits and conferences were organized in overseas to identify regional and international best practices and capacity building. 83 participants from Bangladesh Police and Ministry of Home Affairs, Economic Relations Division, Planning Commission, Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division and NGO representatives were participated in the following events :(i) International Commanders Programme (ICP) in UK; (ii) Executive Leadership Programme at the Australian Institute of Police Management in Sydney; (iii) Crime Intelligence Analysis course in UK, June 2007; (iv) Training on “Making Governance Gender Responsive” in Manila, Philippines, June 2007; (v) Training on Internet as an Investigation Tool at Canadian Police College, Canada. (vi) Study visit to Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and Sri Lanka to have an exposure of training facilities; (vii) Study Visit to Japan and Thailand to establish further cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan in the area of law enforcement and to meet with INTERPOL officials in Bangkok; (viii) Visit to Bangkok to attend South East Asia Heads of THB Unit meeting; (ix) Study visit to Australia to have an exposures of current investigation practices; (x) Conference on UN GIFT (Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking) at Vienna, Austria; and (xi) Conference on TETRA Systems at Hong Kong (Annex II with detailed information). Up-gradation of Training Courses A number of training courses have been up-graded and re-developed for Bangladesh Police including: (i) Constables’ Qualification Program (ii) Detective; (iii) Latent Fingerprint; (iv) Scene Of Crime Officers (SOCO); (v) Forensic Awareness; (vi) Crime Scene and Personal Photography; and (vii) Course for Judges and Prosecutors; (viii) Basic ICT; and (ix) Effective Media Relations. UN Civ Pol Peace keeping training Police Training Center (PTC), Tangail has been identified as the location for a dedicated UN-Training-Facility, to enhance capacity for the participants of BP for UN peacekeeping missions considering their greater involvement. The existing CIVPOL training course has been reviewed. Procurement of equipment for the training center is underway. Formation of National Police Training Board (NPTB) NPTB formed on 23 October 2006 consisting 21 members headed by Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs. The committee was shaped with broad membership of stakeholders and persons capable of contributing to the development of a police training strategy to meet the emerging needs of the society. As of December 2008, four meetings were held and minutes of the meetings were circulated to all concerned. Head of Training (HOT) Conference HOT Conference held from 4-5 March 2007 at BRAC Centre, Rajendrapur, Dhaka. The aim of the conference was to strengthen the formal linkages between the executive members of the training institutions and to provide a forum for the discussion of training issues including training strategy and objectives, innovation in the training and training opportunities. A Follow Up workshop organized from 12-13 July 2007 at the same venue where the Heads of Training Institute analyzed Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT).
Component 4: Strategy and Oversight Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct A draft Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct have been prepared for BP and in the process of amendment following feedback from the PHQ. This is the first such document in Bangladesh to set in writing the standards of conduct expected of BP personnel. The development of a strategic plan 2008-10 for Bangladesh Police is a significant milestone and achievement in 2008. For the first time Bangladesh Police has a defining document that outlines it’s vision, mission, core values and priorities to guide them into the future. The Strategic Plan identifies five key strategic areas are: (i) Organizational reform, (ii) Community policing, (iii) Capacity building of training institutions and updating curricula, (iv) Women police and gender sensitization and (v) Computerization. Business plan for the individual units of BP has also developed in line with the Strategic plan. Bangladesh Police Information Management Strategy Modern policing is an information-centric business. Intelligence-led policing depends very heavily on access to accurate and timely information at all levels: operational, tactical and strategic. Considering this in view PRP has developed “Towards Knowledge Based Organization: Bangladesh Police Information Management Strategy (BPIMS)” which will help BP to implement holistic management of organizational processes and systems to acquire, create, organize, distribute and use information. A technical working group has convened to review the draft BPIMS, and will forward recommendations to the BP for endorsement and finally will be sent to MoHA for approval. Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU) The Criminal Intelligence Unit has been established in CID Headquarters to gather, analyze and disseminate information on criminal activity and the persons responsible for criminal activity. The goal of the unit is to provide information to all officers and detectives to assist them to conduct effective criminal investigations. All procurement and refurbishment activities and deployment of staff completed and the CIU is now operational. Positioning of BP for effective use of ICT The implementation of proposed BPIMS mentioned earlier in section 4.4 will enable BP for effective use of ICT in the areas of effective management of personnel, assets, official records and other information. The following ICT activities are being carried out for the different units of BP.
Regional Cyber Crime Seminar 2007 and Cyber Resources DVD An individual event worthy of mention was the first regional cyber crime conference organized from 5-7 November 2007 at Dhaka by Bangladesh Police with support from PRP and Australian Federal Police, where colleagues from the Australian High Tech Crime Centre, Hong Kong Police, Nepal Police, Sri Lankan CERT, Nepal Police and the Bangladesh Police exchanged experiences, developed future strategies and established a flourishing relationship for future cooperation. 150 people attended the opening and 50 participants attended the sessions. A Cyber Resource DVD (Digital Video Disk) containing cyber-crime and other electronic resources have been produced and are being distributed among stakeholders. Bangladesh Police recognizes the urgent need for cooperation between governments and the private sector in identifying, preventing, and mitigating cyber-attacks and terrorist misuse of cyber-space. Bangladesh aims to enact and implement cyber crime and cyber security laws in accordance with national conditions and by referring to relevant international instruments and guidelines. Against this backdrop, an initiative is underway to establish Cyber Crime Unit at CID. Resource and staffing proposal prepared for the Cybercrime Unit and is under review. A separate presentation on issues with the ICT Act 2006 was submitted to MoHA. Police Wide Area Network (WAN) Design of Wide Area Network (WAN) is progressing taking into account the scope of the Bangladesh Police computerization project, which also has already a WAN component. Upon discussion with the DMP on the deployment of a WiMAX solution for the Metropolitan Area Network in Dhaka, prepared a network Internet Protocol (IP) Scheme for model Thanas. Procurement of WAN equipment is underway. Crime data entry software solution To facilitate the data entry of crime records (1 million) at the Dhaka Metropolitan Courts necessary software enhancement has been made. Data entry is in progress and is being monitored by the PRP experts. Assistant Inspector General, Telecom, Bangladesh Police participated in the Botnet Conference in Perth, Australia at the invitation of the Australia Federal Police (AFP). AIG Telecom visited Western Australia Police Operations Centre in Perth and held meetings with the ICT and Police Academy portfolios, as arranged by the ICT portfolio. The meetings provided very useful information on the implementation of “Command, Control and Communication (C3)” systems, ICT approach and police training.
Component 5: Programme ManagementOrganization structure and management arrangements Under the NEX arrangement, MoHA as the Executing Agency, in close collaboration with Bangladesh Police as the implementing agency, and with on-going support from the GoB, is assuming responsibility for management and implementation of the PRP. The key management is structured into a policy and advisory body-The Program Steering Committee (PSC) on top level and a Project Management Team (NPD and PM) for day-to-day implementation. A Technical Support Unit (TSU) and a Monitoring and Evaluation Unit are integrated in the project. The project support document and subsequent reviews by donors recommend collocation of the project with police, preferably at Headquarters to enhance cooperation and coordination between PRP and Bangladesh Police. Accordingly PRP pursued BP and office space has been allocated at PHQ. Refurbishment work completed except setting of LAN and telephone system. Shifting of the office is expected to take place by early February 2008. Inception/ Consultative workshop held on 23 February 2006 on “Police Reform Programme” with involvement of key stakeholder, media people and donor’s representatives. Staffing or specialized capacities Current status of PRP staffing by categories as of 31 December 2008 are as follows:
The annual PRP retreat and programme review was held on 5-7 August 2008 at Jamuna Resort, Tangail. The main objectives of the retreat were to consolidate lessons learnt and brainstorm ideas for the phase-II. Representatives from Bangladesh Police, PRP, Ministry of Home Affairs, Planning Commission, Ministry of Social Welfare, DFID, UNDP, Project Steering Committee Members, representatives from Civil Society attended the programme. A brief report has been prepared and circulated to the all concerned. DFID, the major cost-sharing partner of PRP undertake first Output to Purpose Review (OPR) in mid-June. A draft report of findings was shared with PRP and the project was given an overall score of three (3), i.e. “Likely to be partly achieved”. This indicates “Only partial achievement of the purpose is likely and/or achievement of some outputs”. The review team recommended a no-cost extension to the project until December 2008 in order to accomplish ongoing and pending activities. The second Output to Purpose Review (OPR) carried out in mid-June 2008. The project was given an overall score of two (2), i.e. “Likely to be largely achieved”. This indicates “There is good progress towards purpose completion and most outputs have been achieved, particularly the most important ones”. In December 2008, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bangladesh Police and external consultants commissioned by UNDP undertook an evaluation/project revision mission to review the achievements of phase-I and formulate phase II of the programme. The Rapid Evaluation Report concluded that the PRP has achieved commendable results in a relatively short time frame and recommended that PRP should be extended for further five to six years. A qualitative impact study has been conducted in June 2008 in the selected model and non-model thanas to measure the people’s satisfaction level with regard to service delivery before and after implementation of the initiatives undertaken in the model thanas. The study identified significant changes across the model thanas. Key results have been described in the development results section. Public Attitude Baseline Survey A Public Attitude Baseline Survey conducted in 2006 to develop a pre-intervention database of the project sites using the specified indicators and parameters, so that comparative analysis could be made to measure the degree of change, assess that the intended benefits were being generated and ensure that the programme could meet its goal and strategic objectives. The baseline survey also provided benchmark data for comparison with those of end evaluation of the police reform programme to measure changes over time in the important parameters of program interventions and crime status. Besides, the baseline survey data used to facilitate designing of appropriate interventions suiting the priorities of the stakeholders. Public Attitude Follow-up Survey A Public Attitude Follow-up Survey is being conducted to facilitate a longitudinal comparative analysis of change against baseline data. The survey findings will help to understand whether the project is meeting its goal and strategic objectives and achieving the intended benefits, through the perception of the intended beneficiaries. The survey commenced in late August 2008 and meanwhile field data collection including entry, editing and cleaning has completed. Data analysis is ongoing and report is expected to be completed by January 2008. Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting A total of six PSC meetings were held till December 2008. Various policy issues were discussed in the meetings and approval obtained. Minutes of the meetings were circulated to all concerned. Roundtable conference on sharing experience on police reform in South Asia A regional roundtable conference on “Police Reform” at the Indian capital New Delhi on March 23-24, 2007 provided an opportunity for the reformers to exchange experiences with representatives from different South Asian countries and discuss plans for reform in a broad spectrum. Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) organized the conference where a seven-member multidisciplinary Bangladeshi delegation (from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bangladesh Police, NGO and UNDP) led by National Programme Director of the Police Reform Programme and Additional IG of Bangladesh Police Mr. NBK Tripura participated. Exchange experience of police reform in Jamaica A three-member team visited Jamaica to exchange experiences of police reform, including challenges and successes, to enhance the reform efforts of Bangladesh and Jamaica. The mission also examined how the emerging concept of Community Security and Social Cohesion can influence the PRPs second phase for programming. Public relation and media initiatives The following activities have been carried out under public relation and media initiatives:
The print media were successfully mobilized to disseminate information on PRP achievements and to recognize their own role in the reform process as the link between governmental authorities and the society. A website for the Police Reform Programme has been developed under the domain www.prp.org.bd and is regularly uploaded with important project information. The site is being updated with the most recent PRP events and serves as a pool of information and exchange mechanism. Two Foreign Aided Project Audit Directorate (FAPAD) audits were undertaken to review financial discipline of PRP. Audit reports were received by PRP. Ordinary observations were made related to project financial management. PRP subsequently replied to the observations.
Component 6: Anti Trafficking of Human Being (THB) National Anti Trafficking of Human Being (THB) Unit The THB investigation unit established at Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters which given a mandate to investigate human trafficking offences, and to ensure that such investigations are conducted throughout the country in an efficient manner. IGP appointed the Head of Central Crime CID as the Commanding Officer and nominated other nine personnel for the new THB unit. Development of policies and procedures for the collection, recording and oversight of THB Investigations throughout the country are ongoing. National referral system for victim support The PRP has initiated development of national protocols for victim referrals, through partnership with the victim support providers. These protocols will clarify the roles and responsibilities of the service providers involved in victim protection and assistance. Strategic partnerships will be established to develop a seamless link between police and victim support groups. As a part of national protocols for victim referrals, Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been developed, which will be practiced as pilot through the Victim Support Centre. National protocol for victim referrals system will be finalized based on learning from its pilot implementation. A video documentary (DVD) to raise awareness on trafficking in human beings was sponsored by PRP and inaugurated on 17 June 2008. The documentary is being distributed among the NGOs and other organizations working on THB issues to communicate THB awareness to the broader community. Workshop on Narcotics Law Enforcement A two-day workshop on Narcotics Law Enforcement was organized to emphasize the importance of internal and international co-ordination of law enforcement agencies and the sharing of information and intelligence. Workshop on THB and violence against women A day-long workshop was organized for identification of problems and solutions that can enhance the police response to Human Trafficking and Violence against women with participants from Police, Public Prosecutors and representatives from key NGOs. South Asia Heads of THB Unit Conference Three members from Bangladesh Police visited Bangkok, Thailand to attend South Asia Heads of THB Unit conference for sharing knowledge and understanding on combating human trafficking issues. Meeting with INTERPOL officials A three members team from MoHA (1) and Bangladesh Police (2) visited Japan and Thailand for exchanging technical know how in the area of law enforcement. Interpol Intelligence Conference Three members from Bangladesh Police visited Bangkok, Thailand to attend Interpol Intelligence conference on drug related crime to share knowledge and understanding on use of criminal intelligence. Study Tours to Thailand and Nepal A multidisciplinary delegation (10 participants from the Chief Advisor’s Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, Bangladesh Police, NGO and PRP) attended a study tour to Nepal and Thailand to assess good practices on Victim Support and Anti-trafficking of Human Beings from 9-17 June 2007. Participants examined service networks and interaction between police, other government agencies and NGO’s. Workshop for Heads of Specialist Trafficking Unit To facilitate the exposure of senior member of BP to regional heads of specialist units involved in human trafficking investigations, Three (3) Officers from Bangladesh Police participated in the “Workshop for Heads of Specialist Trafficking Unit “ in Jakarta, Indonesia. The establishment of effective partnerships between Bangladesh Police and relevant national and international organizations (government and NGOs) has been prioritized. The aim has been to establish broad alliances, capable of making concrete and tangible contributions to the Police Reform in Bangladesh. Accordingly PRP is continuously exploring suitable organization and institution as potential partners in various areas under different component activities.
In the course of implementation of project activities, a good number of lessons were learnt including the following:
External interference obstructs police performance: Public Attitude Baseline Survey DHAKA: A baseline survey on people’s perception on Bangladesh Police conducted by the Police Reform Programme (PRP) of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) revealed today (14 February 2007) that police performances are obstructed by outside interference, influence or pressure, including political and social pressure and interference. More than 6,000 respondents were included in the public attitude baseline survey which comprises of households, police personnel and other professional groups like lawyers, teachers, doctors, business persons, women leaders/professionals, elected local representatives, civil society, youth and media representatives. Majority of the respondents at households (72-77%) and the police (72-75%) opined that external influence obstructs the performance of police. Around 50-71% police considers hoodlums, fear of transfer, political leaders/cadres, local pressure groups, fear of being implicated in cases, and pressure groups like doctor, lawyer, trade union, leader of trade union as most frequent or frequent sources of influence or pressures on them. “The respondents of the survey from households, former lawmakers as well as the community representatives advocated for stopping use of police for political purposes. This is an issue of critical importance and needs to be handled positively and with due sensitivity,” states the baseline survey. The Police Reform Programme (PRP) undertook this survey to analyze the present situation of Bangladesh Police so that a comparative analysis can be conducted over time to measure the degree of change, assess intended benefits and ensure that the programme is meeting its goals and objectives. The baseline survey was conducted during May to December 2006 in 11 model police stations (to be established under PRP) in 7 districts and 2 metropolitan units and in 2 other randomly selected areas for the purpose of comparative analysis. Qualitative and quantitative investigations, household level interpersonal interviews from poor, low economic class, middle and rich classes were taken for the survey. “The Police Reform Programme intends to enhance the capacity of Bangladesh Police and key stakeholders to contribute in a collaborative manner to the creation of a safer and more secure environment based on respect for human rights, equitable access to justice and rule of law in accordance with a multi-party democracy,” UNDP Country Director, Mr. Manoj Basnyat, said.
The overwhelming majority of the respondents (82-83%) have mentioned that people most frequently report to police when the crime committed is a life-threatening one. Crimes which induce people to report to police frequently are physical tortures (63%); property related crimes (57-63%); and Honor related issues/defamation case (29-53%).
92-96% respondents of police and 91-92% respondents at households supported recruitment of women in the police services. Majority of both the police and the respondents at households expressed satisfaction with the services of the women police.
More than seventy percent of the respondents at households perceived that the police are overworked. Hundred percent of the respondents at the households perceived that the police remain busy in controlling political activities like hartals and agitations.
Almost universally (98-100%) the police respondents recommended introduction of targets for police functions and code of ethics for the police. They suggested that the code of ethics should incorporate the following elements: honesty, integrity, neutrality, respect and care, respect age, cultural, religious and gender diversity, policing by consent, equity of concerns for rich and poor, equity of concerns for men and women, depth/strong patriotism and professionalism.
In 2005, the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and the Department for International Development (DFID) launched the first phase of the Police Reform Programme that aims at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Bangladesh Police by supporting key areas of access to justice; including investigations, police operations and prosecutions; human resource management and training; and strategic capacity and oversight. The programme is being implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Bangladesh Police. The European Commission is also a major partner in the programme.
The overall purpose of the Police Reform Programme is to develop a safer and more secure environment based on respect for human rights and equitable access to justice through police reform, transforming it from a colonial government order model to a public service, which is responsive to all of the Bangladesh population including the poor, vulnerable, women, and children. For detail survey report please click here.
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