18 July, 2010

Workshops on Annual Work Plan-2010 and Crime Prevention Strategy held at Rajshahi

Police Reform Programme (Phase-II) has completed the last workshop on the PRP Annual Work Plan and the Dissemination of the Crime Prevention Strategy with Division and Metropolitan level for this year. The last workshop was held at Rajshahi on 18 July, 2010. The workshop was attended by the Senior Police Officers including the Deputy Inspector General and the Commissioner of the Rajshahi Range and Metropolitan Police. Mr. N.B.K. Tripura, ndc, Additional IGP and the National Project Director of PRP and Mr. Henk van Zyl, Project Manager of PRP attended the workshop as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.

The workshop was moderated by Mr. N.B.K. Tripua, ndc. He highlighted the outcomes of PRP, Phase-I and objectives of Phase-II.  Mr. Henk van Zyl and experts of the PRP did the presentations on the Annual Work Plan-2010 in their respective fields. During the questions/answer session, a number of questions were raised by the participants. PRP team answered the questions. Some important suggestions also came out like The RMP Commissioner proposed PRP to provide support to establish a Campus Police in Rajshahi. Besides, the officers requested PRP to provide support for effective in-service training. Mr. Tripura advised the Police Officers to build up the image of Police and bridge the gap between Police and People. He emphasized on the need to strengthen the Community Police Network. The Project Manager Mr. Henk van Zyl thanked the DIG and Commissioner of RMP for participating in the workshop. He also requested the officers to share their suggestions and get involved in the initiatives of PRP. The DIG, Rajshahi Range and RMP Commissioner thanked PRP for the development initiatives. Later, Additional IGP and NPD-PRP Mr. N.B.K. Tripura, ndc handed over some cell phones to the DIG, Rajshahi Range Police for Community Police officers.

It is to be noted that earlier, four workshops were organized at divisional level (Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Chittagong) and one for the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

Divisional Consultation on Women Police Network held in Rajshahi

A Divisional Consultation on Bangladesh Police Women Network was held on Sunday, 18 July at Rajshahi Police Line. Additional IGP and NPD of PRP Mr. N.B.K. Tripura, ndc inaugurated the Programme. Among others, DIG of Rajshahi Range Police, Commissioner of RMP, members of the Police Women Network were present.

During the consultation, a number of issues were raised by the women police officers and constables. PRP experts on Gender and Victim Support gave some interesting talk to the participants about the rights and duties of the female police.

Later, PRP Senior Management team led by NPD and Additional IGP Mr. N.B.K. Tripura, ndc visited Shah Mokhdum Thana and Boalia Thana (Rajshahi Metropolitan Police) on the same day to identify the locations for proposed Victim Support Centre. DIG of Rajshahi Range Police, Police Commissioner, RMP and PRP Project Manager Mr. Henk van Zyl along with other senior members of PRP were present at that time. During the visit, the team exchanged ideas with the senior police officers and assessed the availability of spaces in the thana premises for construction of VSC.

19 May 2010

Divisional Workshop on Annual Work Plan -- 2010

Police Reform Programme shared its Annual Work Plan (AWP) -- 2010 and draft crime prevention strategy with senior police officers of Chittagong Division and Metropolitan police offices including DIG range and the Commissioner of Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) on 19 May, 2010 through divisional workshop organized in Conference Room, CMP. The workshop communicated annual work plan, shared draft crime prevention strategy with the participants. Furthermore, it accumulated recommendations in relation to future perspective of PPP and its sustainability. Mr. N.B. K Tripura, ndc, Additional Inspector General, Bangladesh Police and National Project Director, PRP was attended the workshop as Chief Guest.

Capacity building in Model Thanas

As a continuous process of capacity enhancement of MT personnel PRP organized follow workshop for the OCs of 17 MTs  (refurbished by PRP in Phase I and training for the CPOs of the Thanas. These programs    provided OCs and CPOs with a range of knowledge and skills required in order to implement Community Policing and PRP support effectively. A total of 17 OCs and 17 CPOs participated in the workshop and training course at DMP Police Academy Police Lines, Rajarbag, Dhaka. DMP Commissioner Mr. A.K.M Shahidul Hoque, bpm, ppm addressed the inauguration session of this workshop.

All the events were successfully accomplished in cooperation with Police Headquarters, DMP, Chittagong Metropolitan Police, Chittagong Range Police and district Police of Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat and Rangpur.

Joint Workshop for Community Policing Forum Members, Officer In Charge (OC) and the Community Police Officers CPOs

Crime Prevention & Community Policing component of PRP continues its capacity development and strategy dissemination interventions. In May 2010, PRP  organized four “Joint Workshop for Community Policing Forum members, Community Policing Officers (CPOs), Officers In–Charge (OCs) of in four districts; Thakurganon, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat and Rangpur. The workshops reviewed the concept of Community Policing, accelerated the areas of mutual cooperation and optimum utilization of PRP supports in order to put into practice effective Community Policing in model unions. A total of 182 of CPF members, CPOs and OCs participated in the workshops.

Read details on Divisional Workshop on AWP--2010 and Dissemination of Crime Prevention Strategy in Khulna and Barisal Divisions -- April-2010.

Field Visit Report on Under Construction Model Thana: April - May, 2010.

24 March 2010

1st Raising Day of BPWN and Observance of 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day

The Police Reform Programme and the Bangladesh Police Women Network (BPWN) jointly celebrated the 1st Raising Day of BPWN and observed 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day on 24 March 2010 at the Police Telecom Auditorium, Rajarbagh. The purpose of the programme was to inspire Police Women’s leadership and professionalism in the policing and advocate increasing the number of women police in all ranks of Bangladesh Police. The programme started at 10:00 am with a rally in attendance of Women Police inaugurated by Advocate Shahara Khatun, the Honorable Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs. Ms. Yasmin Gafoor, Addl. DIG, SB and Secretary, BPWN, presented their one year progress report. In addition, a Theme Song of BPWN and a Souvenir was launched in the programme. Ten women police officers were presented with a plaque for pioneering in their respective areas of work. They are Ms. Fatema Begum, the first ASP, joined Bangladesh Police in 1986, Ms. Mily Biswas, SP and Contingent Commander UN Peacekeeping Mission in 2000, Ms. Hose Ara Begum, Officer-in-Charge, joined in 2009 Ms. Setara Begum, Inspector and worked UN Peacekeeping Mission in 2000, Ms. Noorjahan Chowdhury, Ms. Shahida Begum, Ms. Sabiha Khanam,  Ms. Mahmuda Khatun, Ms. Saleha Mahmud, Sub-Inspector, and Ms. Shahnaz Khanam, Constable, joined in 1974. Read More...

13 February 2010

Handover of 200 KVA Generator to Police Training Centre, Tangail

Police Reform Programme handed over a 200 KVA generator at Police Training Centre (PTC), Tangail on Saturday 13 February 2010. National Projector Director, PRP and Additional Inspector General of Police Mr. NBK Tripura, other senior Bangladesh Police officers, UNDP and PRP representatives were present at the hand over ceremony.

As an initiative of modernization of different PTCs of Bangladesh Police this generator has been delivered to PTC, Tangail from PRP. As PTC Tangail is located in a remote village area it suffers a lot due to frequent power interruption. The centre is also housed with two state-of-the-art computer labs. Owing to frequent power interruption conducting computer training using those labs becomes very difficult. To remove these difficulties this generator will play a vital role and it will help conducting various training programs smoothly at the centre.

Inauguration of a Computer Lab at Police Training Centre, Tangail

On the same day a state-of-the-art computer lab equipped with 20 PCs, 1 mid-range server, 1 laser printer, and multimedia projector in networked environment along with other necessary accessories and software like Lotus Domino etc. has been inaugurated by the National Projector Director, PRP and Additional Inspector General of Police Mr. NBK Tripura. Other senior Bangladesh Police officers, UNDP and PRP representatives were present at the inauguration ceremony. This computer lab will be used exclusively for conducting specialized computer training to the police personnel who will be working in the UN peace-keeping mission.

16-21 November 2009

Crime Prevention Conference and Crime Prevention Futures Forums’ Workshop - 2009

Police Reform Program sponsored a delegation of Bangladesh Police to attend a Conference on Crime Prevention being conducted in Perth, Australia on16-18^th of November, 2009 and review existing crime prevention programs from 19-21 November Adelaide, South Australia (SA).

The objective of the participation at this conference was to enable the policy level officers to understand the ongoing crime prevention policies, the best practices and the implementation mechanisms in all over Australia. The attendance will enable to meet the crime prevention practitioners’ form around Australia, Australian Federal Police and New Zealand. The review of existing crime prevention programs in SA will further enhance the understanding of implementation of crime prevention programs in collaboration with the community.

These were the unique opportunities to expose Bangladesh Police to regional police policies, procedures and practices and the participants will be able to interact with police practitioners to discuss local and regional policing issues.

National Program Director Mr. N B K Tripura along with Supt of Police Mr. Iqbal Bahar attended this conference. Crime Prevention adviser form PRP facilitated the participation. Read More...

25 October 2009

PRP Phase-II Signing Ceremony

An agreement is signed today at 12:30 pm in Economic Relations Division (ERD) between the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and UNDP to finance the project "Police Reform Programme -- Phase-II (PRP--Phase-II)" The project will be implemented by Bangladesh Police under the Ministry of Home Affairs during the period  from October 2009 to September 2014. The worth of total project aid is US $ 29.015 million, of which the UNDP will provide US $ 8.00 million. DFID will provide US $ 16.30 million and the rest US $ 4.715 million will be mobilized from other potential development partners.

The PRP is a long-term and comprehensive capacity building initiative to improve human security in Bangladesh. The main objective of the project is to support in the transition from a colonial style policing to democratic policing by strengthening the Bangladesh Police's ability to contribute to a safer and more secure environment based on respect for the rule of law, human rights and equitable access to justice. The Phase-I of the PRP was implemented by the Bangladesh Police with the financial assistance of UNDP, DFID and European Commission from January 2005 to September 2009. The Phase-I established the foundation of police reform initiative by introducing Model Thana, Victim Support Centers and a Community Policing Philosophy across the country. The Phase-II will provide necessary supports to implement the "Strategic Plan of Bangladesh Police-2011" and to achieve the following outcomes:

• Strategic direction and organizational reform;

• Human resource management and training;

• Investigations, operations and policing;

• Crime prevention and community policing;

• Promotion gender sensitive policing; and

• Information, communication and technology

Mr. M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, Secretary, ERD on behalf of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Stefan Priesner, Country Director, UNDP on behalf of the Development Partners, Mr. Md. Ghulam Hussain, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs on behalf of the Administrive Ministry signed the project document. Mr. N.B.K. Tripura, ndc, Additional Inspector General, Bangladesh Police and National Project Director (NPD) of PRP was also present in the signing ceremony. Other senior officials from the Government, UNDP and DFID were present on the occasion.

22-24 October 2009

Handover of Motrobikes to Tourist Police in Kamalganj, Maulavi Bazar

On 22 October 2009, National Projector Director, PRP and Additional Inspector General of Police Mr. N. B. K. Tripura handed over six motorbikes at Kamlaganj Police Station, Maulavi bazaar and four motorbikes at Habiganj District Police for the newly formed Tourist Police Units in the two districts. The Tourist Police Units will ensure the safety and security of tourists in the Lawachhara National Eco Park and local tourist sites including Shree Mangal, Madhav Kunda etc.

Lawachhara is a popular holiday destination in Bangladesh visited by more than 80 thousands local and foreign tourists every year. Integrated Protected Area Co- management (IPAC), an USAID funded INGO has been involved in various activities in the park for the past few years. There are also 96 tea gardens there. The handover of the motorbikes has been a milestone in the partnership between the community and police in these localities and also a good example of partnership between Bangladesh Police and other development organizations working at the local level. 

The Hand-over ceremony was followed by a community consultation where the local community members, elected Union authorities, forest officer and district administrator expressed their views about the safety and security of the tourists, police reform initiatives and the potential areas for cooperation and partnership. More than 400 community members from various walks of life were present. The Senior Adviser, IPAC, PRP Project Manager, PRP Crime Prevention Adviser and Management Adviser, PRP were also present in this program.

Mr. Tripura, expressed his satisfaction at the initiatives undertaken by the local police and lauded their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the people.

Community Consultation in Sylhet

A Community Consultation was organized by the Police Reform Programme (PRP) in close cooperation with Sylhet Metropolitan Police at Nazimgarh, Sylhet on 24 October 2009. The objective of the consultation was to stimulate a dialogue between community and the Police to identify the challenges faced by community policing initiatives in Bangladesh.

Representatives for different walks of life and the elected Upazila Chairman participated in the consultation. The challenges in relation to the sustainability and continuity of the community policing program were highlighted by the participants. Mr. NBK Tripura ndc, Additional Inspector General and National Project Director, PRP responded to concerns of the community and expressed his commitment to support the Community Police Forums (CPFs). Crime Prevention Adviser of PRP Mr. Kumar Koirala highlighted community policing activities planned for Phase II of PRP and the implementation modalities to be used in future.

The consultation held at the very onset of PRP Phase II, has been very useful to identify the challenges of CPFs and explore the support modalities for CPFs.

13 October 2009

Car Handover Ceremony at Victim Support Center

Police Reform Programme handed over a microbus and a motorcycle to the Victim Support Center (VSC) on Tuesday, 13 October 2009. Advocate Shamsul Hoque Tuku, Honourable State Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. N.B.K. Tripura, ndc, Additional Inspector General, Bangladesh Police and National Project Director (NPD) of PRP, other senior Bangladesh Police officers, UNDP and PRP representatives were present at the hand over ceremony. Additionally, office equipment comprising of a computer, a printer and a digital photocopier were also handed over at the ceremony.

The vehicles will enhance the capacity of VSC in providing prompt service to the victims. The State Minister emphasized the need to prevent crime proactively so that less people, specially women and children, become the victims of crime. The NPD stressed the need to establish more victim support centers at other divisional headquarters and to provide more training to the police officials concerned.

11 October 2009

Community Policing Coordination Meeting

The Police Reform Programme and the Bangladesh Police jointly organized "Community Policing Coordination Meeting" on 11 October 2009 at the Conference Room, Police Headquarters.  Mr. N.B.K. Tripura, ndc, Additional Inspector General, Bangladesh Police and National Project Director of PRP and other Police Officials were present in the session. Representatives of various Development Partners/NGOs like Asia Saferworld, GTZ-Dhaka, Asia Foundation, officials from Urban Partnership for Poverty Reduction Programme etc. were present in the session. Mr. Tripura addresses the session saying that Police Headquarters has been designated as the focal point of Bangladesh Police to coordinate all national and international development initiatives in regard to crime prevention and community policing. He stresses this sort of meeting will provide a forum for the various agencies concerned to have dialogue and will provide an opportunity to explain what, how and where they are involved in this process. This will further help to develop the joint program without overlapping and duplicating the efforts.

The main objectives of the meeting were: a. to introduce the role and responsibilities of Crime Prevention Center (CPC); b. to understand the ongoing activities and the operational procedures of this community based policing in the respective areas; c. to define the logical framework activities and work plan with partners and donors; d. to establish a database of the programs in CPC and dissemination process and etc.

04 October 2009

Members of BPWN received IAWP Membership Cards

The Police Reforms Programme and the Bangladesh Police jointly organized an IAWP Membership Card Distribution Ceremony on 4 October 2009 at the Police Telecom Auditorium, Rajarbagh. The purpose of the programme was to promote leadership and professionalism in the women police. A total of 193 members of Bangladesh Police Women Network have been registered as the member of International Association of Women Police (IAWP). And Ms. Amena Begum, Addl. Superintendent of Police, Chittagong District has been elected as the Coordinator for Region 15 of IAWP. Their member ship will facilitate to get a strong network support and technical skills from the IAWP. Regional cooperation will be boost up among police women and enhance capacity by sharing best practices and technical know how, which will promote their better access to policy making not only in country but also in the regional and international level.

Advocate Shahara Khatun, the Honorable Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The other dignitaries included Abdus Sobhan Sikder, the Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Renata Lok Dessallien, Nabo Bikrom Kishore Tripura, ndc, the Additional IG (Administration), Bangladesh Police. Fatema Begum, DIG of Special Branch and the president of Bangladesh Police Women Network chaired the programme. Read More...

04 September 2009

Inauguration of newly built Service Delivery Center at Habiganj Sadar Police station

Mr. N.B.K. Tripura ndc, Additional Inspector General, Bangladesh Police and National Project Director of PRP formally inaugurated newly built Service Delivery Center at Habiganj Sadar Model Police Station with an emphasis on friendly community-police relations based on mutual understanding, trust and cooperation to prevent crime. Mr. Tripura said that partnerships between police and communities, especially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, pave the way for voicing grievances, suggestions and recommendations by the people in order to improve policing.

The aim of the Service Delivery Center is to facilitate interaction, foster partnership between people and police and to ensure community involvement in the process. This will provide an opportunity for the local residents to visit the Model Thanas to see what is happening in their local police station and discuss how to improve the interaction on the issues that affect them. Police can also facilitate community efforts to create positive changes within their neighborhood. It will provide Police an opportunity to take into account community aspirations and make sure efficient use of limited resources. The Police-Community interaction will promote openness in police practices and improve police image.Superintendent of Police of Habiganj district and other local representatives of various organizations were present in this inauguration programme.

03-04 September 2009

Community Consultation at Kamalganj and Bahubal Police station

Kamalganj, Maulavi Bazar: On the way to Kamalganj, brief consultation was organized at Labachhora National Park Guest House with the District Police Super and the local administrator.  Apart from law and order situation, the safety and security of the tourists were discussed at length.

At Kamalganj Police station, Mr. Tripura, NPD of PRP interacted with the local community members along with local administration. People have many more expectations from the police reform, but also they are quite confident with the initiative of the police have taken in the recent days. Mr. Tripura alos emphasized that partnerships between police and communities, especially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, pave the way for voicing grievances, suggestions and recommendations by the people in order to improve policing.

NPD inspected the progress of the construction of Kamalganj Thana building which is by Government of Bangladesh.

Bahubal, Habiganj: NPD and PRP team visited the construction site of Bahubal Model Thana site at Bahubal. The progress of the construction work was discussed with the contractors and the construction adviser of PRP.

It was followed by a community consultation where the members of the CPFs and representatives of different walk of life (such as; local union parishad members, businessmen, religious leaders of different religion, teachers etc) were consulted. They were explained the purpose of the consultation and asked to express their observations and expectation from the police and PRP. They expressed their strong support for an independent (free from political interference) police service in Bangladesh.

The pilot initiative of local police and the community to develop one “crime free village” in each union fits into the planned activities of PRP second Phase.

Shree Mangal, Maulavi Bazar: NPD organized a meeting, at Shree Mangal, with the senior police officials (DIG Sylhet range, SP Maulavi Bazaar, SP Habiganj and the local police station commanders) and various issues in relation to community engagement were discussed.

21 August 2009

Public Attitude Follow-up Survey: police are friendly and more efficient in service delivery

People perceive police to be friendly and more efficient in service delivery compared to two years ago. This was revealed at a Findings Dissemination Session of the Public Attitude Follow-up Survey organized by the Police Reform Programme on 21 August 2009. Mr.  ASM Shahjahan, Senior Police Adviser, UNDP (former IGP and Secretary and Adviser to the Caretaker Government) was guest of honour at the session. Mr. Abdus Sobhan Sikder, Secretary, MoHA, Mr. Nur Mohammad, Inspector General of Bangladesh Police, Mr. N.B.K. Tripura ndc, Additional IGP, Bangladesh Police and National Project Director, Police Reform Programme and Mr. Stefan Priesner, Country Director, UNDP were also present on the occasion.

The Police Reform Programme (PRP) conducted this survey to measure the impact of PRP interventions and assess whether reform initiatives have achieved the intended outcomes. The survey was conducted in December 2008 in 7 of 11 model police thanas established under PRP and 4 non-Model Thanas. More than 6,000 respondents including members of households, police personnel, women victims, women in custody and other professional groups like teachers,  lawyers, doctors, business persons, elected local representatives, civil society, youth and media representatives took part in the Public Attitude Follow-up Survey. Read More...

25 June 2009

Generators distributed to the remote Thanas of CHT

Additional Inspector General, Bangladesh Police and National Project Director of PRP handed over 20 Generators to the Police Stations of remote areas of CHT three districts.

PRP strongly believes that the proper use of the generators in police stations will enhance the safety and security of the local community in rural areas of CHT and local police will have effective response to the crime and will better serve the victims of crime. The hand over ceremony was attended by all three SPs of CHT districts, officer in charge of the Thanas and the community representatives of Rangamati.

June 2009

Training on Crime Prevention and Community Policing

Community Policing is one of the five key strategic areas identified in Bangladesh Police’s Strategic Plan 2008-2010. The foundations of a successful community policing strategy are the close, mutually beneficial ties between police and community members; a meaningful partnership that jointly and effectively addresses community concerns and improves the quality of life of citizens.

Bangladesh Police aims to ensure successful adoption of the Community Policing philosophy through greater involvement with the public, changes in working procedures, pro-active consultation and effective monitoring of implementation. In order to achieve this,  in December 2008, a total of 579 Community Policing Officers (CPOs) of the rank of Sub-Inspector were assigned to all police stations across the country to coordinate and supervise community policing activities at the ‘grass-roots’ level.

To develop the skills and capacity of CPOs and create a dedicated group of police officers who will work for the effective functioning of community policing, the Police Reform Programme (PRP) in June 2009, organized training programs on Crime Prevention and Community Policing for CPOs. 5 day training was imparted to participants in three venues; CPOs from the Chittagong and Sylhet Ranges received training at Chittagong; CPOs from Barisal and Khulna were trained in Barisal; and CPOs from the Dhaka and Rajshahi Ranges received training in Bogra. Mr. Kumar Koirala, Crime Prevention and Community Safety Specialist, PRP conducted training for a total of 60 CPOs from all six divisions.  The 60 CPOs are expected to deliver training to CPOs in their respective divisions to bring about a transition in skills, motivation, attitudes, values, and culture towards a community policing approach.

10 April 2009

Handover of Motorcycles to Tourist Police Unit in Rangamati

The Tourist Police Unit in the Chittagong Hill Tracts will be able to widen their outreach to the communities they serve, especially in remote rural areas by moving around on motorcycles contributed by the Police Reform Programme (PRP).

Mr. N.B.K. Tripura ndc, Additional Inspector General, Bangladesh Police and National Project Director of PRP handed over the motorcycles to Rangamati District Police at a festive ceremony held on 10 April 2009 at the Rangamati Police Lines. Mr. Masudul Haider, Superintendent of Police, Rangamati received the motorcycles on behalf of the local police administration. The Additional Inspector General also distributed sports equipment among students of several high schools in the district. PRP Programme Manager, Mr. Hubert Staberhofer, PRP Crime Prevention and Community Safety Specialist, Mr. Kumar Koirala and other senior officials of the district were also present on the occasion. The handover ceremony was followed by the Annual Sports Day of Rangamati District Police.

It is expected that the motorcycles will enable the Tourist Police Unit in CHT to better respond to problems or complaints and offer higher protection to visitors and the local community.

17 February 2009

Inauguration of Bangladesh’s first Victim Support Center at Tejgaon Thana Premises

Everyday, women and children in Bangladesh fall prey to vicious crimes including trafficking, acid burn, domestic violence, sexual harassment and rape. These are despicable crimes with traumatic physical, psychological, and social consequences. In addition to the inevitable psychological trauma, survivors face social isolation and ostracism that further damage their self-esteem and seriously undermine their personal and professional futures.

The country’s first Victim Support Center (VSC) established by Bangladesh Police with support of the Police Reform Programme, was inaugurated on 17 February 2009 at the Tejgaon Thana premises.

The establishment of a VSC  within a policing environment and staffed by 17 trained female police officers is a groundbreaking strategy that will encourage victims to report crime to police in a safe and secure environment whilst accessing  professional services.

In order to provide appropriate, professional and timely assistance to victims of crime, all staff at the VSC have been provided with specialized training to enhance their capacity to deal with victims and to facilitate and coordinate a support network, engaging health care professionals, social workers, lawyers and different NGOs personnel. In addition, Bangladesh Police has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with 10 Partner NGOs in December 2008. The NGOs will work in full co-operation with the VSC and be available to provide assistance and support on a twenty four hour basis. 

Advocate Sahara Khatun, Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs, formally inaugurated the Center. In her inaugural speech the Minister commended Bangladesh Police’s initiative and reaffirmed the Government of Bangladesh’s commitment to address violence against women and children. Read More...

3 February 2009

Handover of Policing Equipment to Beach Unit in Cox’s Bazaar

A specialized Beach Unit of Bangladesh Police has been recently inaugurated at Cox’s Bazaar to ensure the safety and security of hundreds of tourists in Bangladesh’s most visited holiday destination, also claimed to be the world's longest natural sandy sea beach. 

The Beach Unit at Cox’s Bazaar was inaugurated on 3 February 2009 by Mr. N.B. K. Tripura ndc, Additional Inspector General, Bangladesh Police and National Project Director of the Police Reform Programme (PRP). On behalf of PRP, the Additional IGP handed over various policing equipment to aid the Beach Unit in their task. These include a speed boat, six ATVs for beach patrol, night vision monocular and binoculars, hand held halogen lights, digital cameras, handheld radios and life vests.

The inaugural ceremony was followed by a consultation meeting with members of the local community and the police administration.

Mr. N.B.K. Tripura ndc was the Chief Guest at the consultation meeting while Mr. A.K.M. Shahidul Haque, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Chittagong Range was present as Special Guest. Mr. Md. Matiur Rahman Sheikh, Superintendent of Police, Cox’s Bazaar chaired the consultation meeting. Mr. Kumar Koirala, Crime Prevention and Community Safety Specialist, PRP and Mr. Albert van Nunen Karioen, Training and Executive Development Specialist, PRP, were also present at the meeting.

Local community members and district government representatives expressed their satisfaction at the service delivered by local police and called for further strengthening of police-community ties for preventing crime.

1 February 2009

School programs in CHT

As CHT possesses different topography compared to other parts of the country, the types of vulnerabilities are also different in this area. CHT still lags behind from socio economic development in different sectors. It is timely initiative to orient the students on preventing anti social activities and motivate them to refrain from anti- social behaviors and provide an opportunity to develop a partnership in preventing crime and accelerating community safety through the School programs. The school authorities and students are keen to develop the partnership with Bangladesh Police aiming at preventing crime and accelerating community safety in CHT.

Police Reform Program, as pilot initiatives, has selected CHT districts to build up School programs and gradually stretch in other districts by providing sports equipment and organizing events with the students. The program will build a better relationship between police and the children in the school community. This further seeks to encourage and develop improved behaviors and more responsible attitudes of children towards the community in which they live.

As a beginning of this pilot initiative, PRP organized interaction programs with the teachers and the students of the some of the schools of CHT and distributed sports equipment as a token of partnership among the schools and the Police. Programs were organized on 01st of Februray at Bandarban with two Schools, 09th of April at Khagrachari with three Schools, 10th of April at Rangamati with two Schools and 11th of April at Dampara Police Line School at Chittagong. Sports equipment was also distributed to the Police Line of the districts so that they can regularly organize sports events with the local Schools at police premises or vice versa.

1 February 2009

Tourist Police soon for CHT visitors

Additional Inspector General of Police, Mr. N.B.K. Tripura ndc has said that a Tourist Police Unit will soon be set up in Bandarban to ensure the security of visitors in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). He was addressing a public meeting organized by the Bandarban District Community Policing Committee at the local Eidgah Maidan on 1 February 2009.

The proposed Tourist Police Unit will be a special unit of Bangladesh Police, similar to the Beach Police Unit in Cox's Bazar. It will ensure the security of tourists coming from home and abroad. The main function and responsibility of the Tourist Police Unit will be to look after the welfare of tourists. The proposed unit will provide information regarding security aspects of travel and tours and respond promptly to problems or complaints. The special unit will also carry out inspection of tourist businesses with the aim to provide better services and higher protection to visitors.

Mr. A.K.M. Shahidul Haque, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Chittagong Range, Mr. Moudud A K Qaium Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Bandarban, Mr. Mohammad Shamsuddin, Superintendent of Police (SP), Mr. Kumar Koirala, Crime Prevention and Community Safety Specialist, Police Reform Programme, Mr. Shaw Hla Prue Jimi, a senior citizen of the district, and President of District Community Policing Committee Prof Osman Goni also addressed the meeting.

Earlier, a colorful procession was brought out in Bandarban town to promote awareness about community policing.

21 November 2008

Launching Ceremony of Bangladesh Police Women's Network (BPWN)

The Police Reforms Programme and the Bangladesh Police jointly organized a launching ceremony of the Bangladesh Police Women's Network on 21 November 2008 at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel. The Network will provide leadership for the achievement of national and global women's development objectives through the policewomen's capacity building and professional skill development.

The Home Adviser, Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The other dignitaries included Rasheda K Chowdhury, the Adviser for Women and Children Affairs, Md Abdul Karim, the Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs, Nur Mohammad, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Additional IG (Administration) Nabo Bikrom Kishore Tripura, Renate Lok Dessallien, the Resident Representative of UNDP, Jane Townsley, 1st Vice-President of the International Association of Women Police and Fatema Begum, DIG of SB and the president of BPWN.

Dr Kamal Hossain, the president of the Gano Forum, a former adviser and ex-IGP, Md Shajahan, a former ambassador Waliur Rahman, the Director General of RAB, Hasan Mahmud Khandker, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner, Naim Ahmed, and other high police officials were present at the launch programme.

In his speech, the Home Adviser Mr. Matin said, "For the first time in Bangladesh the police have a network or a forum which will strengthen, unite and raise the profile of women in the criminal justice sector nationally and internationally. A positive image for Bangladesh will be created in the region through the launching of the Bangladesh Police Women's Network. The Network can play an important role in policing.

It will help create leadership and professionalism in the women police.  The government has a plan to recruit 3000 female police personnel over the next three years to increase the representation of women in the Bangladesh Police." He also said that a woman-friendly environment in the policing system would be created through the forum in the future, dedicated to the support and recruitment of more women.

The Network will act as a representative of women police to secure and maintain fairness and equality in the workplace that is free of harassment and discrimination, the Chief Guest said.

Referring to the unfortunate death of one Nurjahan, Ms. Rasheda K Chowdhury, the Adviser for Women and Children Affairs, said. "Nurjahan committed suicide after being teased by some young people. We do not want to see more Nurjahans in the country. The Bangladesh Police Women's Network can play a vital role to reduce such deaths. A significant number of women are violated every year. I hope that the Network can help them as it was formed by the women police", she said.

The Bangladesh Police Women's Network started its journey with 23 members. Ms. Fatema Begum, DIG SB, was given charge of the network as its inaugural president. DIG Rawsan Ara and Mili Biswas are the vice-presidents of the forum and the Network will work from the Police Headquarters.  

Following the launching ceremony, a seminar on “The Police Women’s Network: A Structured Approach to Change” was held. Ms. Rasheda. K. Chowdhury, the Adviser for Primary and Mass Education, Women and Children Affairs and Cultural Affairs, and Ms. Fatema Begum, DIG SB and the President, BPWN, attended the seminar as the Chief Guest and the Chair respectively. Ms. Jane Townsley made a presentation on the International Association of Women Police and provided suggestions for future coordination and information dissemination. Ms. Yasmeen Ghafoor, PPM, Addl. DIG, Special Branch presented a keynote paper at the seminar.

18-20 July 2008

Media Relations Training for Police Officers under Police Reform Programme held

Dhaka:  Former Adviser to the Caretaker Government and for Inspector General of Bangladesh Police ASM Shahjahan said time has come for police to be engaged more with the media to improve its image.

“Media are helpful if you want to achieve your goal to ensure peace and discipline in the society.  If you can utilise the media, you can reach the people more effectively,” he said.

ASM Shahjahan was addressing the concluding ceremony of a three-day training on “Effective Media Relations” organised by the Police Reform Programme at BRAC Inn Centre from July 18-20, 2008.  A total of 20 police officers from different police units participated in the course.  Seven (35%) of them were female police officers. 

Shahjahan said journalist’s jobs are to get and tell a story. They look for conflict, changes, and information of interest of the public.  Police and media should be strategic partners and the relationship should be mutually beneficial,” he said.

A close working relationship with the press from the part of police before a crisis occurs can help a lot; he said adding that honesty and openness would be the best policy.  He also distributed certificates of appreciation among the participants of the training.

Mohammad Aminul Islam, Additional Inspector General (RM&T), Mokhlesur Rahman, Deputy Inspector General (Training), Matiur Rahman, Assistant Inspector General (Training), Wojciech Koprowicz, ICT Systems and Strategy Specialist and Mir Attaqui Mashruruzzaman, Media trainer of the course also spoke on the occasion.

Among the participants Farida Yasmin, Assistant Police Commissioner, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police and Md. Tanveer Bhuiyan, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Police Headquarters also spoke.  Farid Ahmed, Public Relations Officer of the Police Reform Programme facilitated and moderated the programme.

Earlier on the inaugural day on July 18, N.B.K. Tripura, ndc, Additional Inspector General (A&O) and National Project Director of PRP, inaugurated the training programme. Mohammad Aminul Islam, Additional Inspector General (RM&T), Mokhlesur Rahman, Deputy Inspector General (Training) and Hubert Staberhofer, Programme Manager, PRP also spoke. Read More...

Bangladesh Police Tuesday launched a new investigation unit to strengthen its fight against trafficking in human beings. Major General (Retd.) Mohammad Abdul Matin, BP, psc, Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs, formally inaugurated the Unit within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at a formal ceremony. 

“Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery. It is a serious crime that not only violates the dignity of the individual but also infringes on human rights,” Major General (Retd.) Mohammad Abdul Matin, BP, psc said at the inaugural ceremony at a city hotel.  

Bangladesh Police Sunday launched a strategic plan that outlines its vision, mission, core values and future priorities of the service.

Inspector General of Bangladesh Police, Nur Mohammad, launched the ‘Strategic Plan for 2008-2010’ to be implemented over three years.

“For the first time Bangladesh Police has a defining document that will outline our vision, mission, core values and priorities and will guide us into the future,” Nur Mohammad said launching the plan at a formal ceremony at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.

N B K Tripura, ndc Additional IGP & National Project Director, Police Reform Programme, Hassan Mahmood Khandker, BPM, ndc, Director General, RAB, Mohammad Javed Patwary, Additional IGP, CID, A.K.M. Mahfuzul Haque, Rector, Police Staff College and Baharul Alam, Additional IGP, SB, were present on the occasion.

Development partners, representatives from the NGOs, former senior police officers, civil society members and eminent personalities were also present at the function.

“We have the vision of a Police Service that will work in partnership with the community and become a trusted partner rather than a feared tool of the State,” Nur Mohammad said. Read More...