Police Reform Programme Conference on ‘Sustainable Police Reform in Bangladesh: From Global Experiences to Local Strategies’

The Police Reform Programme (PRP) held a conference on ‘Sustainable Police Reform in Bangladesh: From Global Experiences to Local Strategies’ from 19-21 July at the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel, Dhaka. The conference focused upon four key thematic areas relevant to the police reform initiative: organisational reform; community policing; enhancing serious crimes investigations; and responding to human trafficking and emerging crime.

A key objective of the conference was to facilitate the sharing of lessons learnt from reform processes undertaken in other countries, thus enabling the Bangladesh Police to learn from these experiences and use them to create local strategies. As such, seven international speakers from Australia, South Africa, Canada, Cambodia and Thailand presented papers and participated in panel question and answer sessions on their reform experiences. The 60 conference participants, drawn from the police and civil service, then used this shared information, along with their own local knowledge and experiences, to identify critical issues and create locally-relevant police reform recommendations, which they presented to the IGP at the closing session of the conference.

Advocate Shahara Khatun, the Honourable Minister for Home Affairs, opened the conference as Chief Guest at the Inauguration Ceremony. Advocate Shamsul Hoque Tuku, the Honourable State Minister for Home Affairs; Mr Hassan Mahmood Khandker, Inspector General of Police; and Mr S.K. Murthy, Country Director a.i., UNDP Bangladesh, also spoke at the ceremony as special guests.

In her address, the Home Minister said the Bangladesh Police are the first line of defense of the country and are playing a vital role in maintaining law and order in the country. “Threat of crime is no longer an issue that can be confined within the borders of only one country, and crime in this era of globalization is an international problem,” she said.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr S.K. Murthy praised this approach, stating that “hearing of experiences of people on the ground, and then learning from them and taking what is relevant, is the most appropriate and effective way for professionals to learn.”

Mr Murthy also praised the conference as an “important step towards fulfilling Bangladesh’s obligation outlined in the Millennium Declaration”, particularly in regards to Article 9, which calls for UN member states to intensify efforts to fight transnational crime in all its dimensions.

Also speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, the National Project Director of PRP, encouraged the local participants to critically engage with the international speakers, proposing that “it is vital that we develop our own specific paths, but we will be able to do this much more easily if we base it on what other people have already experienced.”

Mr Rahman further encouraged the long-term work of the PRP, stating that “reforming policing requires changing and refining laws, putting in place innovative institutional arrangements, and altering the culture within police organisations. With the requisite political will and concerted efforts and cooperation of governments, police officials and civil society, it is entirely achievable.”

Following the inauguration ceremony, the seven international speakers presented their papers on the key thematic areas on the conference – organisational reform, responding to human trafficking and emerging crime, community policing and enhancing serious crimes investigations.

Dr Chris Botha spoke on contemporary challenges in police organisational reform, presenting this topic through a case study of the reform process of the South African Police Service (SAPS). Beginning with a historical account of the development of the police service in South Africa, Dr Botha specifically addressed the process of how the SAPS has transformed in the past two decades, following the end of the colonial and apartheid periods. Dr Botha’s paper also examined the tension between the contrasting and contradictory expectations placed upon the police by society.

Dr Rowan Barnsley also spoke on the area of organisational change and police reform, specifically in regards to examining why organisational change is important and mechanisms for overcoming barriers to change. Addressing the key objectives of the conference, Dr Barnsley focused upon strategies undertaken and lessons learnt in other police reform processes, in order to identify international best practice and how it might contribute to the reform process of Bangladesh Police.

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.  

N.B.K. Tripura, ndc, said cooperation and partnership between the Police and the media are very important for crime prevention. “The print and electronic media are significant players in highlighting and reporting law and order issues. They also play a key role in monitoring trends and articulating public opinion, maintaining accountability and transparency of public officials and agencies, and in creating awareness and reflecting public opinion,” he said.

Tripura said, “Efficient media relations can play very important role in any organisation. It can connect the organisation with media; enhance credibility; promote understanding; increase accessibility and visibility; create a positive image for the organisation.”

For a modern police service Media relation is the process by which Police and their organisation gain access to any and all media to distribute the information and influence the public, he said. “It goes beyond merely providing the information the organisation wish to share; it focuses on building and maintaining a “relationship” with media personnel.”  

“Media relation is often one of the more cost-effective ways to influence public perception. Selecting the appropriate media relations activity and knowing how to implement it effectively can make all the difference in one’s level of success,”  Tripura added.

Developing effective relation with media is an ongoing process, the Additional IGP said adding that  media training makes people in the spotlight, or people on the spot, feel comfortable, not only in handling questions, but also in clearly presenting key points while sounding sincere and credible.

“Building a reasonable, working relationship with the various forms of the mass media and law enforcement organisations is difficult. There is often lack of trust between members of the media and law enforcement officers,” he observed.

The best relations a law enforcement agency can have with the media would be one bounded by skilled law enforcement officers who understand the characteristics of the media and have been thoroughly trained for media presentations, he said.

The training is part of Police Reform’s one of the major issues that intends to improve the skill and capacity of the Police officers in media relations.  The aim of the proposed training course was to provide Bangladesh Police personnel with a range of knowledge and skills necessary for media relations.  

It provided the officers the opportunity to fully explore the range of incidents they may have to comment on to the media. The training course was a mixture of theory and practical sessions with the emphasis being on the practical.

In 2005, the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and the Department for International Development (DFID) launched the first phase of the PRP 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 PRP 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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. In 1973 UNDP began work in Bangladesh. Drawing upon its global network, UNDP helps the people and Government of Bangladesh to develop their capacity to meet development challenges through initiatives that link advocacy, policy advice, and projects.

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The strategic plan 2008-10 represents an innovative approach by Bangladesh Police service in their collective ability to shape their future -- N B K Tripura, ndc

PRP Report: Mr. N.B.K. Tripura, ndc, Additional Inspector General of Bangladesh Police and National Project Director of the Police Reform Programme (PRP) has termed the launch of the Strategic Plan 2008-2010 as a “historic” event. “Strategic planning is a disciplined, creative process for determining how to take an organization from where it is today to where the stakeholders wish it to be in the future,” he says adding, “The plan clearly sets out what our aims and objectives are for the next three years.”  

On June 15, 2008, Bangladesh Police 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.

To mark the launch, Mr. Tripura explained the vision for having such a plan for the Police department. Talking to PRP’s Public Relations Officer Farid Ahmed, he says that the strategic planning is fundamentally a decision making process, based on asking simple questions: “What do we do?” “Where are we going?” “Where are we now?” “How will we get there?” “When will we get there?” “Why are we in service?”  

He says that the strategic planning process encompasses the entire spectrum of issues an organization faces, ranging from the big ones of who you are, what you do, and what your organizational values are to the smaller but equally important ones that connect the works that must be performed to move the organization forward.

Following is the glimpse of his thought on the Strategic Plan 2008-10: 

Q: Why did you feel the need for a Strategic Plan?

Tripura: Bangladesh Police is working relentlessly, pragmatizing the initiatives to uphold the rule of law and ensure safety and security of the citizens. It is committed to provide services to all. But to effectively serve in a rapidly evolving environment, police leadership need to be innovative and decision making has to be based on a rational assessment of emerging needs coupled with a vision of deliverable service. It is obvious that a strategic intention for the service that embodies and promotes our mission, vision and core values should be formulated in a structured manner.

The strategic plan 2008-10 represents an innovative approach by Bangladesh Police service in their collective ability to shape their future. The plan has been prepared keeping in mind the competing needs or demand of the country and the limited resources that may be available for the implementation of the plan. Many of the ideas expressed or activities suggested in this document have no price tag attached, but are actually efforts that should be pursued, regardless of any cost factor.

The importance of an efficient and effective police service as an integral part of broader justice system has been recognized by all quarters. With that spirit Bangladesh Police has been working to create a new and modern police by transformation from the colonial culture of ‘ruling’ to a contemporary culture of ‘serving’ the people; to replace Reactive policing by Proactive policing. The objective of the reformed police would be to respond to the democratic aspirations of the people, function according to the law and constitution and respect and protect the human rights of the people.

To ensure pro-people and effective policing, Bangladesh Police came up with a number of initiatives in the last one year. Model Police Stations have already started functioning with the purpose of making thana policing more efficient, effective and people-friendly. Service Delivery Centres have been opened, while Victim Support Centers are in the pipeline. Police Open Day has been introduced to foster partnership between the police and the people. Community Policing has been launched in order to ensure a significant role in ensuring people’s participation in the prevention and detection of crime.

By the way, I would like to extend our heart-felt thanks and gratitude to Professor Dr. Mamun, Professor Nurur Rahman and their other colleagues of Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka, experts of Police Reform Programme and former Inspector General Mr. Muhammad Nurul Huda for providing technical support and consultation in preparing the document. I am also thankful to my colleagues for their invaluable contribution in drafting this document. And it was none other than the Inspector General who finalized the five strategic directions.

Q: What would be the benefit of the Strategic Plan?

Tripura: The benefits of strategic planning are manifold. It provides a framework for decision making throughout the organization, reveals and clarifies future opportunities and threats, sets specific objectives for achievement, provides a basis for measuring performance, serves as a channel of communication, develops a team which is focused on the organization's future and provides managerial training. The above benefits can be encapsulated in a single statement: Strategic Planning aligns the total organization–People, Processes, and Resources-with a clear, compelling, and desired future state.

Q: What would be your key message to your colleagues?

Tripura: I hope that the entire police service of the country will be involved in achieving the outcomes that this plan envisages for us. The suggestions contained in the plan are our own; these are generated through in-house discussions held in different forums. We are confident that the ideas or thoughts contained in this document will improve and expand our services, make our service more efficient and effective and potentially open up the gateway to improve the image of Bangladesh Police.

A strategy does not reflect all that is being done by the police service. In view of the resource constraints it is necessary to be selective in establishing priorities. The targets set will demand hard work and a high standard of professionalism from each person in the service. Our main objective over the next years is to reduce crime and maintain order. Strengthened by an enduring partnership with the community, our aim is to make the society a better and safer place to live and work.

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Bangladesh Police Launches New Investigation Wing to Combat Human Trafficking

Dhaka, June 17:  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.  

He reaffirmed Bangladesh Government’s commitment to fight this gruesome phenomenon.

Md Abdul Karim, Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Nur Mohammad, Inspector General, Bangladesh Police, N B K Tripura, ndc Additional IGP & National Project Director, Police Reform Programme, representative from the European Commission, Mr. Jean-Jacques Louture, and M.A. Jalil, Additional DIG & Head of THB Unit, CID also spoke at the function.  Development partners, representatives from the NGOs, senior police officers, civil society members and eminent personalities were also present at the function.

A music video and two documentary television spots were also launched during the ceremony to raise awareness of trafficking in human beings.

The Adviser said, “Human trafficking is a diverse crime and requires diverse policy measures and interventions to be tackled effectively.” There are many reasons why human trafficking takes place; poverty, polygamy, lack of awareness within the community, open borders and natural disasters are among these reasons, he added.

Law enforcement agencies cannot work in isolation to deal with the consequences of human trafficking, the Adviser said adding that close collaboration and cooperation between the police, community and social partners is essential to address all the issues.

“But trafficking in human beings is moreover a cross border/ international crime and requires cooperation among nations at all levels – political, judicial and law enforcement,” he said.

The Home Adviser said, “Trafficking in human beings is a fast growing high profit- low risk crime and we all have to speed up and put our efforts together to keep up with criminal syndicates.” Organized criminals earn billions of dollars by trading human beings like merchandise and it is high time that we bring an end to this atrocious situation, he added.

The Police Reform Programme (PRP) has supported Bangladesh Police in setting up of the Unit which will exclusively deal with cases of human trafficking. PRP has also published a Human Trafficking Investigation workbook to enhance the skills of the police personnel dealing with trafficking cases.

Human Trafficking is one of the grave organised crimes, extending beyond boundaries and jurisdictions. Combating and preventing human trafficking requires holistic approach by all stakeholders and integrated actions on prosecution, prevention and protection.

In 2005, the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and the Department for International Development (DFID) launched the first phase of the PRP 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 PRP 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.

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Bangladesh Police launches its Strategic Plan for 2008-2010

Dhaka, June 15 2008:  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.

The plan has been prepared keeping in mind the competing needs or demand of the country and the limited resources that may be available for the implementation of the plan. 

The Strategic Plan 2008 – 2010 identifies five key strategic areas for fulfilling the vision of Bangladesh Police. The first strategy of Organisational Reform is the foundation for the implementation of other priorities as it deals with legal and organisation reform.  The second strategic direction is Community Policing which will foster real partnerships with the community and develop operational priorities that will address community needs.

The capacity to train and develop Police personnel is critical to appropriate service delivery and Police personnel need to be prepared to face challenges.  Women Police and Gender Policy have been identified as an important strategic direction to move the police into a modern policing service. The importance of computerisation is now the cornerstone of the provision of modern policing service and the Bangladesh Police wish to position themselves to take full advantage of any advances in technology.

“The proposed strategies are just the first step towards a modern service orientated police organisation that our community will be proud of. Our credibility depends on how we will implement these strategies,” the IGP said.

He said that Bangladesh Police 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.

“We envision our role to be a professional, service orientated and people friendly department that is free from extraneous influences and remains accountable to the law and to the people,” he said.

N B K Tripura ndc, said that the entire police service of the country will be involved in achieving the outcomes that the Strategic Plan envisages.

“The suggestions contained in the plan are our own; these are generated through in-house discussions held in different forums. We are confident that the ideas or thoughts contained in this document will improve and expand our services, make our service more efficient and effective and potentially open up the gateway to improve the image of Bangladesh Police,” Tripura said.

The Strategic Plan envisages transformation and transition of Bangladesh Police from the colonial culture of ‘ruling’ to a contemporary culture of ‘serving’ the people. It also emphasises on proactive policing to replace reactive policing and brought a major cultural shift – from ‘Force’ to ‘Service’.

The PRP has supported the development of the Strategic Plan (2008-2010) for Bangladesh Police. 

In 2005, the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and the Department for International Development (DFID) launched the first phase of the PRP 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 PRP 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. To read the strategic plan 2008-10, click here.

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Model Police Stations Should Stand Out In Excellence: Additional IGP NBK Tripura, ndc

Dhaka: Additional Inspector General of Bangladesh Police and National Project Director of Police Reform Programme (PRP) NBK Tripura, ndc Tuesday said the police officers of the model police stations should be more careful in discharging their duties. He also said that the model police stations should stand out in excellence as it was expected by the people of the community.

Mr. Tripura was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function of a workshop for the police officers-in-charge of the model police stations at a city hotel.  With support from the Department for International Development (DFID), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Commission, the PRP has refurbished 11 model police stations and taken up initiative to construct fully new six model police stations across the country.

The workshop was arranged to review current status of the functioning of the model police stations, identify best practices and lessons learned, and recommend mechanism for effective service delivery.

Mr. Hubert Staberhofer, Project Manager, PRP and other international and national consultants of PRP were present during the workshop.

Mr. Tripura said the expectation of the people from police has increased and the police officers must work sincerely as public servants to meet those expectations.  “The Model police stations must be model for other police stations and the officers of these stations must turn out as a role model for other colleagues,” he said.

The Additional IG warned the officers of “bitter consequence” if anyone is found corrupt. “We are trying to improve your facilities. We have proposed the government for improving the status of the inspector and equal ration facilities for all in the Police services,” Tripura said.

The model police stations under the PRP are Panchlaish Thana and Patenga Thana, Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP), Chittagong; Hathazari Thana, Chittagong; Bahubal thana, Habiganj, Feni Sadar Thana, Feni; Jessore Kotwali Thana, Jessore, Shonagazi Thana, Feni, Dhanmondi Thana, Dhaka, Uttara Thana, Dhaka, Narayaganj Sadar Thana, Narayanganj, Narsingdi Sadar Thana, Narsingdi; Chandpur Sadar Thana, Chandpur; Bhaluka Thana, Mymensingh; Comilla Kotwali Thana, Comilla; Katiadi Thana, Kishoreganj;  Gangachhara Thana, Rangpur and Damurhuda Thana, Chuadanga District.

In 2005, the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and the Department for International Development (DFID) launched the first phase of the PRP 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 PRP 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.

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British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith lays the foundation stone of Bahubal Model Police Station

April 9, 2008, Bahubal, Habiganj:  Visiting British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith laid the foundation stone of the Bahubal Model Police Station.

Addressing a colourful ceremony at the police station, Jacqui Smith said that the foundation stone laying ceremony for the new model “thana” was the start of a process of deeper investment by the Government of Bangladesh to providing a better police service for the people of this community.

“The British Government is pleased to join with the EU and UNDP in support of this process of reform led by the Inspector General and his senior management team,” she said.

During the function, Mr. Anwar Choudhury, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Mr.  N B K Tripura, ndc, Additional Inspector General & National Project Director, Police Reform Programme (PRP), Mr Larry Maramis, Deputy Country Director, UNDP Bangladesh and Hubert Staberhofer, Project Manager, PRP, were present.

Referring to the draft Police Ordinance 2007, the British Home Secretary said that they were encouraged by the drafting of the Police Ordinance which will enable the police to better manage and control its own finances and destiny, reporting to the people through Parliament.  “…we look forward to hearing of its promulgation,” she said.

When the police service is attuned to the needs of the people and responsive to them, justice is served in that community, Jacqui said.

“The British government regards good community/police relations as a corner-stone of a good democracy and we look forward to our continuing partnership in support of this in Bangladesh,” the British Home Secretary said.

To mark the ceremony, N B K Tripura, ndc, Additional Inspector General & National Project Director, PRP, hoped that the new model police station will help friendly community-police relations based on mutual understanding, trust and cooperation to prevent crime.  He 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.

With support from the Department for International Development (DFID), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Commission, the PRP has refurbished 11 model police stations and taken up initiative to construct fully new six model police stations including one at Bahubal. The other model police stations under the PRP are Panchlaish Thana and Patenga Thana, Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP), Chittagong; Hathazari Thana, Chittagong; Feni Sadar Thana, Feni; Jessore Kotwali Thana, Jessore, Shonagazi Thana, Feni, Dhanmondi Thana, Dhaka, Uttara Thana, Dhaka, Narayaganj Sadar Thana, Narayanganj, Narsingdi Sadar Thana, Narsingdi; Chandpur Sadar Thana, Chandpur; Bhaluka Thana, Mymensingh; Comilla Kotwali Thana, Comilla; Katiadi Thana, Kishoreganj;  Gangachhara Thana, Rangpur and Damurhuda Thana, Chuadanga District.

Bangladesh has been in frantic need of police stations that allow the police to get rid of their colonial hangover and practice people-friendly policing. The establishment of model police stations is aimed at achieving pro-people policing.

Model police stations housed in well-designed modern buildings have replaced the old fashioned image of a dingy, unventilated, dilapidated and unhygienic police station. There is furniture for visitors to sit on as they wait to be attended to (unlike in the past when visitors had to stand around waiting for their turn to talk to the duty officer!). Conventional Police stations are usually so short of space that they hardly have any place to store property seized during investigation. At model police stations, there are separate rooms for storage and for documentation; hence, retrieval of property and documents is only a matter of minutes. Another notable feature is that each of the policemen attached to the station has an assigned desk. The impact that such a thoughtful arrangement could have on the self-esteem of every constable can hardly be measured.

But the model police stations are more than just new furniture, computers and flowers on the desk. They aim to integrate and showcase the best practices in policing by fostering an environment that facilitates prevention of crime, provides equitable access to justice and engages the police and public in a meaningful partnership to effectively address community concerns and improve the quality of life of citizens. The model police stations embrace the principles of “pro-people, service-oriented policing”. Visitors to the model police stations can expect to meet police personnel who are professional, courteous and efficient. Personnel are most cooperative: they listen with patience to the complainant and provide helpful responses to multifarious queries. This scenario is very different from the recent past when victims were often sent back by policemen stating that the scene of crime was not under their jurisdiction. A reorientation of attitudes towards people friendly service delivery is clearly visible.

The usual armed sentry just outside a police station, who puts off the casual visitor, is missing. This is obviously with a view to lending a friendly ambience to the place. This is a revolution in itself. At the reception desk, a duty officer is assigned to receive complaints. Immediately after the reception, there is a desk where a policewoman receives complaints on atrocities against women. This is again an innovation that should be received well in a country where ill treatment of women is shamefully rampant even in urban centres.

A range of police services to citizens are provided in a congenial atmosphere at the model police stations. In addition to dealing with common crimes, they also act as centres for community-oriented schemes for combating domestic violence, helping the aged and providing legal aid. Also taken up are drug de-addiction campaigns and counselling for women. The model police stations also acts as community service-cum-information centres to help with verification for the issue of passports, to provide "no objection certificates" for arms licenses, grant permission for religious and political processions and to deal with requests for security arrangements.

In 2005, the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and the Department for International Development (DFID) launched the first phase of the PRP 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 PRP 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.

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Effective Police-Community Relations Required To Prevent Crime: Dr C.S. Karim

Feni: Adviser for Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources Dr. C.S. Karim Tuesday emphasised on friendly community-police relations based on mutual understanding, trust and cooperation to prevent crime.

He 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.

Dr Karim was speaking as the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony of the Police Open Day and a new service delivery centre at the Feni Model Thana in Feni district.  Feni Sadar Model Police Station is one of the model police stations under the Police Reform Programme (PRP) of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Service Delivery Centre aims at providing better and community-friendly services to the people.

The `Police Open Day’ is a regular event for the police station involving the local people. The aim of the Day is to facilitate interaction, foster partnership between people and police and to ensure community involvement in the process.

In close cooperation with the Feni District Police Administration, the PRP has organised the inaugural ceremony of the Service Delivery Centre and the Police Open Day.  Later, Dr Karim also laid the foundation stone of the Shonagazi Model Police station in Shonagazi, Feni.

Mr Anwar Choudhury, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Mr.  N B K Tripura, ndc, Additional Inspector General & National Project Director, Police Reform Programme, Hubert Staberhofer, Project Manager, Police Reform Programme also spoke on the occasion. Feni Police Super, Mr. Harunur Rashid Hazari chaired the function.  

In a recent survey conducted by the PRP, the overwhelming majority of the respondents (82-83%) from 11 model police stations areas have mentioned that people report to police mainly when the crime committed is a life-threatening one, and not in ‘ordinary’ crime cases.

Now the Police Open Day provides an opportunity for the local residents to visit the Model Police Station see what is happening in their local police station and discuss issues that affect them. Police can also facilitate community efforts to create positive changes within their neighborhood. It will provide Police with an opportunity to take into account community aspirations and use limited resources efficiently. The Community-Police interaction promotes openness in police practices and improves police image.

The model police stations under the PRP are Panchlaish Thana and Patenga Thana, Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP), Chittagong; Hathazari Thana, Chittagong; Feni Sadar Thana, Feni; Jessore Kotwali Thana, Jessore, Shonagazi Thana, Feni, Dhanmondi Thana, Dhaka, Uttara Thana, Dhaka, Narayaganj Sadar Thana, Narayanganj, Narsingdi Sadar Thana, Narsingdi; Chandpur Sadar Thana, Chandpur; Bhaluka Thana, Mymensingh; Comilla Kotwali Thana, Comilla; Katiadi Thana, Kishoreganj;  Gangachhara Thana, Rangpur;  Damurhuda Thana, Chuadanga District; Bahubal Thana, Hobiganj District.

During the ceremony, bicycles, torch lights, mobile phones and umbrellas were distributed among the Chawkidars and Dafadars under the police station.

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Service Delivery Centre starts off in Narayanganj to enhance Police-Community Relations

Narayanganj: A Police Service Delivery Centre has been opened at the Narayanganj Sadar Model Police Station with an emphasis on friendly community-police relations based on mutual understanding, trust and cooperation to prevent crime.

At the same time, a `Police Open Day’ has been arranged at the Model Police Station, which is a regular event for the police station involving the local people. The aim of the Day is to facilitate interaction, foster partnership between people and police and to ensure community involvement in the process.

Narayanganj Sadar Model Police Station is one of the model police stations under the Police Reform Programme (PRP) of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Service Delivery Centre aims at providing better and community-friendly services to the people.

In close cooperation with the Narayanganj District Police Administration, the PRP has organised the inaugural ceremony of the Service Delivery Centre and the Police Open Day.

Mr.  Nur Mohammad, Inspector General, Bangladesh Police inaugurated the Service Delivery Centre Thursday. Mr.  N B K Tripura, ndc, Additional Inspector General & National Project Director, Police Reform Programme, Mr. Amir Uddin, DIG Dhaka Range and MsSteffanie von Helle, Portfolio Manager, Police Reform Programme, UNDP also spoke on the occasion. Narayanganj Police Super, Mr. M Sibgat Ullah, PPM chaired the function.

Addressing the inaugural function, Mr. Nur Mohammad 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.

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Gender Guidelines for Police stations launched

Gender guidelines have been launched for Police stations in Bangladesh on Tuesday with the aim of making the staff in police stations more gender sensitive.

Mr. Md. Anwarul Iqbal, BPM (Bar), PPM, Adviser for the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) and Labour & Employment, launched the guidelines at a formal ceremony. 

“The preparation and launch of the first-ever gender guidelines for police in Bangladesh as part of the Police Reform Programme (PRP), is a very significant milestone,” Mr. Iqbal said on unveiling the guidelines.   

Gender inequalities, imbalances, biases and gaps exist at all levels in the society in Bangladesh.  So far, the pace of mainstreaming gender in the delivery of police services has been slow partly due to the absence of appropriate tools and guidelines. The guidelines have been developed to accelerate the gender mainstreaming process.

“The implementation of the guidelines will change the current situation for the better. It is expected to sensitize police personnel and lead to a re-orientation of the Police attitude towards women and children,” Mr. Iqbal added.

Mr. Md. Abdul Karim, Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. ASM Shahjahan, Senior Adviser for Police Reform, UNDP, Mr.  N B K Tripura, ndc, Additional IGP & National Project Director, PRP, Ms Honor Flanagan, Governance Adviser, DFID, and Mr. Hubert Staberhofer, Programme Manager, PRP also spoke on the occasion.  

The PRP of the Government of Bangladesh is implemented by the Bangladesh Police supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Department for International Development (DFID) and the European Commission. Gender issues are one of the major crosscutting issues relevant to all outputs and activities of the programme.

Since 2005, the PRP has undertaken several initiatives in order to make policing gender responsive. These activities include: organizing gender sensitive training for police officers across different departments; assisting in the creation of a Women Police Network; professional development of women police; and establishment of Victim Support Centre strategy with the involvement of women police.   To download Gender Guidelines click here.

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Regional Cybercrime Seminar held: Call for a regional response to cybercrime

The Police Reform Programme arranged a three-day (5-7 November 2007 ) regional cybercrime seminar with an aim to exchange experiences on combating cybercrime and to foster future cooperation, leading towards strong regional response to cybercrime.

Mr. Md. Anwarul Iqbal, BPM (Bar), PPM, Honorable Adviser for the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) and Labour & Employment, formally inaugurated the seminar at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel on 5 November 2007.

Bangladesh Police hosted the seminar in which experts dealing with cybercrime issues in Australia, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Nepal are taking part in addition to participants from the host country Bangladesh. The Police Reform Programme of UNDP facilitated the seminar in close cooperation with the Australian Federal Police.

Mr. Md. Abdul Karim, Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Douglas Foskett, H.E. Australian High Commissioner, Dhaka, Mr Larry Maramis, Deputy Country Director, UNDP Bangladesh, Mr.  N B K Tripura, Additional Inspector General & National Project Director of the Police Reform Programme and Mr. Hubert Staberhofer, Programme Manager, Police Reform Programme, were also present during the inaugural ceremony.    

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Mr. Md. Anwarul Iqbal, BPM (Bar), PPM, said that crime is not bound by borders in this modern day and age and takes advantage of the technology available on the market. “As a transnational crime, cybercrime is a global issue with a global impact. Though the cost of cybercrime is a burden on developing countries but combating the cybercrime is a necessity,” he said.

He said that increased sophistication of cybercrime attacks and vulnerability of information available online is a serious concern for institutions, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world.

“Cyber and technology related crime is on the increase and current trends indicate that it will be a significant issue in South and South-East Asia. We are now improving our capacities to combat cybercrime and the regional seminar will help foster the future cooperation,” Mr.  N B K Tripura, Additional Inspector General & National Project Director of the Police Reform Programme said.  

The speakers at the inaugural function also highlighted the need for the legislation to criminalize cybercrime activities and to enable the police to adequately investigate and prosecute such activities, expansion of training on information security and international cooperation between industrialized and developing countries on technical and policy matters.

As quoted in the Internet Law News, cybercrime has grown to be larger than illicit drug sales worldwide and the analysts estimate that online fraud will bring in US$105 billion in 2007 alone. It is further estimated that the cost of data loss due to malicious activity will reach US $ 40 billion worldwide.

Information Economy Report 2005, released by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), said that cybercrime and poor information security could deter the application of information technologies and the business use of Internet that may help to increase commerce, investment, innovation and productivity. 

The Bangladesh Police and the Police Reform Programme (PRP) took the seminar as an opportunity to become familiar with cybercrime combating issues and approaches, resourcing cybercrime response and necessary legislation. Regional participation would foster regional cooperation and networking in combating cybercrime and would allow national agencies operating within the region to exchange ideas and lessons learnt so far.

Cybercrime is an issue for police jurisdictions everywhere, not only in the countries that are very much e-developed and e-aware but also in the countries that are now embarking on the road to make the full use of the Information and Communications technology.

Participants in the seminar discussed and presented papers on practical issues in dealing with different types of cybercrime, resourcing cybercrime response, organisational set-up, staffing, skill set and training, infrastructure, operational procedures and future trends and considerations during the seminar.

To read the exclusive coverage of the Cybercrime Seminar please click here...

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Service Delivery Centre starts off in Narsingdi to enhance Police-Community Relations

Narsingdi: A Police Service Delivery Centre has been opened at the Narsingdi Sadar Model Police Station with an emphasis on friendly community-police relations based on mutual understanding, trust and cooperation to prevent crime.

At the same time, a `Police Open Day’ has been arranged at the Model Police Station, which will be a regular event for the police station involving the local people. The aim of the Day is to facilitate interaction, foster partnership between people and police and to ensure community involvement in the process.

Narsingdi Sadar Model Police Station is one of the model police stations under the Police Reform Programme (PRP) of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Service Delivery Centre aims at providing better and community-friendly services to the people.

In close cooperation with the Narsingdi District Police Administration, the PRP has organised the inaugural ceremony of the Service Delivery Centre and the Police Open Day.

Mr.  N B K Tripura, ndc, Additional Inspector General & National Project Director, Police Reform Programme, inaugurated the Service Delivery Centre Thursday.  Mr. Md Nazmul Haque, PPM, DIG, Dhaka Range, Mr. Larry Maramis, Deputy Country Director, UNDP Bangladesh and Mr. Hubert Staberhofer, Programme Manager, Police Reform Programme also spoke on the occasion. Narsingdi Police Super, Mr. Md. Shahabuddin Khan chaired the function.

In a recent survey conducted by the PRP, the overwhelming majority of the respondents (82-83%) from 11 model police stations areas have mentioned that people report to police mainly when the crime committed is a life-threatening one, and not in ‘ordinary’ crime cases.

The Open Day will provide an opportunity for the local residents to visit the Model Police Station see what is happening in their local police station and discuss issues that affect them. Police can also facilitate community efforts to create positive changes within their neighborhood. It will provide Police with an opportunity to take into account community aspirations and use limited resources efficiently. The Community-Police interaction will promote openness in police practices and improve police image.

Addressing the inaugural function, 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 other model police stations under the PRP are Panchlaish Thana and Patenga Thana, Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP), Chittagong; Hathazari Thana, Chittagong; Feni Sadar Thana, Feni; Jessore Kotwali Thana, Jessore, Sonagazi Thana, Feni, Dhanmondi Thana, Dhaka, Uttara Thana, Dhaka, Narayanganj Sadar Thana, Narayangonj; Chandpur Sadar Thana, Chandpur; Bhaluka Thana, Mymensingh; Comilla Kotwali Thana, Comilla; Katiadi Thana, Kishoreganj;  Gangachhara Thana, Rangpur;  Damurhuda Thana, Chuadanga District; Bahubal Thana, Hobiganj District.

During the ceremony, bicycles, torch lights, mobile phones and umbrellas were distributed among the Chawkidars and Dafadars under the police station.

In 2005, the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and the Department for International Development (DFID) launched the first phase of the PRP 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 PRP 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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. In 1973 UNDP began work in Bangladesh. Drawing upon its global network, UNDP helps the people and Government of Bangladesh to develop their capacity to meet development challenges through initiatives that link advocacy, policy advice, and projects.

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Service Delivery Centre starts off in Chandpur to enhance Police-Community Relations

Chandpur: A Police Service Delivery Centre has been opened at the Chandpur Sadar Model Police Station with an emphasis on friendly community-police relations based on mutual understanding, trust and cooperation to prevent crime.

At the same time, a `Police Open Day’ has been arranged at the Chandpur Sadar Model Police Station, which will be a regular event for the police station involving the local people. The aim of the Day is to facilitate interaction, foster partnership between people and police and to ensure community involvement in the process.

Chandpur Sadar Model Police Station is one of the model police stations under the Police Reform Programme (PRP) of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Service Delivery Centre aims at providing better and community-friendly services to the people.

In close cooperation with the Chandpur District Police Administration, the PRP has organised the inaugural ceremony of the Service Delivery Centre and the Police Open Day.

Mr. Nur Mohammad, Inspector General, Bangladesh Police, inaugurated the Service Delivery Centre Thursday. Ms. Honor Flanagan, Governance Advisor, Department for International Development (DFID), Mr. Dr. Christian Raitz Von Frentz, Development Adviser, European Commission (EC), Mr. N B K Tripura, Additional IGP & National Project Director, PRP also spoke on the occasion. Chandpur Police Super, Mr. Mohammad Obaidur Rahman Khan chaired the function.

 In a recent survey conducted by the PRP, the overwhelming majority of the respondents (82-83%) from 11 model police stations areas have mentioned that people report to police mainly when the crime committed is a life-threatening one, and not in ‘ordinary’ crime cases.

The Open Day will provide an opportunity for the local residents to visit the Model Police Station see what is happening in their local police station and discuss issues that affect them. Police can also facilitate community efforts to create positive changes within their neighborhood. It will provide Police with an opportunity to take into account community aspirations and use limited resources efficiently. The Community-Police interaction will promote openness in police practices and improve police image.

Addressing the inaugural function, Mr. Nur Mohammad 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 other model police stations under the PRP are Panchlaish Thana and Patenga Thana, Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP), Chittagong; Hathazari Thana, Chittagong; Feni Sadar Thana, Feni; Jessore Kotwali Thana, Jessore, Sonagazi Thana, Feni, Dhanmondi Thana, Dhaka, Uttara Thana, Dhaka, Narayanganj Sadar Thana, Narayangonj; Narsingdi Sadar Thana, Narsingdi; Bhaluka Thana, Mymensingh; Comilla Kotwali Thana, Comilla; Katiadi Thana, Kishoreganj;  Gangachhara Thana, Rangpur;  Damurhuda Thana, Chuadanga District; Bahubal Thana, Hobiganj District.

During the ceremony, bicycles, torch lights, mobile phones and umbrellas were distributed among the Chawkidars and Dafadars under the police station.

In 2005, the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and the Department for International Development (DFID) launched the first phase of the PRP 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 PRP 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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. In 1973 UNDP began work in Bangladesh. Drawing upon its global network, UNDP helps the people and Government of Bangladesh to develop their capacity to meet development challenges through initiatives that link advocacy, policy advice, and projects.

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Police Needs To Be More Gender-Sensitive In Police Stations: Former IGP A.S.M Shahjahan

DHAKA: Former Adviser to the Caretaker Government and UNDP’s Senior Adviser for Police Reform Mr. A.S.M Shahjahan said that the police needs to be more gender sensitive in the police stations so that women service takers feel comfortable and get policing services properly.

He said that gender-sensitive policing approach would also contribute progressive improvements within the police service in Bangladesh.

Mr Shahjahan was addressing the inaugural function of a two-day orientation for the police officers on “Gender Sensitivity: Key To Prevent Violence Against Women” in the capital.

The Police Reform Programme (PRP) organised the orientation programme that aims at enabling the police officers to become well-aware of the issues relating to gender, understand the process of socialisation and gender and undertake measures against domestic violence, trafficking, and sexual harassment from the model police stations.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mr Naim Ahmed, Acting Project Manager and PRP’s Anti-Trafficking in Human Beings Advisor Mr. Neale Fursdon, Crime Prevention & Community Safety Advisor Mr. Kumar Koirala and Gender Consultant Ms Fawzia Khondker Eva were also present. 

In 2005, the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and the Department for International Development (DFID) launched the first phase of the PRP 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 PRP 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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. In 1973 UNDP began work in Bangladesh. Drawing upon its global network, UNDP helps the people and Government of Bangladesh to develop their capacity to meet development challenges through initiatives that link advocacy, policy advice, and projects.

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Service Delivery Centre starts off in Jessore to enhance Police-Community Relations

Jessore: A Police Service Delivery Centre has been opened at the Kotwali Model Police Station with an emphasis on friendly community-police relations based on mutual understanding, trust and cooperation to prevent crime.

At the same time, a `Police Open Day’ has been arranged at the Kotwali Model Police Station, which will be a regular event for the police station involving the local people. The aim of the Day is to facilitate interaction, foster partnership between people and police and to ensure community involvement in the process.

Jessore Kotwali Model Police Station is one of the model police stations under the Police Reform Programme (PRP) of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Service Delivery Centre aims at providing better and community-friendly services to the people.

In close cooperation with the Jessore District Police Administration, the PRP has organised the inaugural ceremony of the Service Delivery Centre and the Police Open Day.

PRP’s National Project Director and Additional Inspector General of Police, Mr. N B K Tripura, ndc inaugurated the Service Delivery Centre Monday. PRP’s Project Manager Mr. Hubert Staberhofer and UNDP’s Programme Officer Mr. Soren Laursen also spoke on the occasion. Jessore Police Super, Mr. Md Iqbal Bahar, PPM chaired the function. 

 In a recent survey conducted by the PRP, the overwhelming majority of the respondents (82-83%) from 11 model police stations areas have mentioned that people report to police mainly when the crime committed is a life-threatening one, and not in ‘ordinary’ crime cases.

The Open Day will provide an opportunity for the local residents to visit the Model Police Station see what is happening in their local police station and discuss issues that affect them. Police can also facilitate community efforts to create positive changes within their neighborhood. It will provide Police with an opportunity to take into account community aspirations and use limited resources efficiently. The Community-Police interaction will promote openness in police practices and improve police image.

Addressing the inaugural function, 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 other model police stations under the PRP are Panchlaish Thana and Patenga Thana, Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP), Chittagong; Hathazari Thana, Chittagong; Feni Sadar Thana, Feni; Comilla Sadar Thana, Comilla; Chandpur Sadar Thana, Chandpur, Sonagazi Thana, Feni, Dhanmondi Thana, Dhaka, Uttara Thana, Dhaka, Narayanganj Sadar Thana, Narayangonj; Narsingdi Sadar Thana, Narsingdi; Bhaluka Thana, Mymensingh; Comilla Kotwali Thana, Comilla; Katiadi Thana, Kishoreganj;  Gangachhara Thana, Rangpur;  Damurhuda Thana, Chuadanga District; Bahubal Thana, Hobiganj District.

During the ceremony, bicycles, torch lights, mobile phones and umbrellas were distributed among the Chawkidars and Dafadars under the police station.

In 2005, the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and the Department for International Development (DFID) launched the first phase of the PRP 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 PRP 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. 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. In 1973 UNDP began work in Bangladesh. Drawing upon its global network, UNDP helps the people and Government of Bangladesh to develop their capacity to meet development challenges through initiatives that link advocacy, policy advice, and projects.

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Bangladesh Police To Provide Victim Support Services to Enhance Police-Community Relations

Dhaka:  Bangladesh Police, with the support of the Police Reform Programme (PRP), is going to establish Victims Support Centres (VSC) staffed by trained police to provide professional services to victims.

The Bangladesh Police has taken the initiative to enhance the capacity of the police members to better respond to the needs of victims. The establishment of Victims Support Centres within a policing environment and staffed by trained police 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.

“In this country as in many other countries victims and witnesses to crime resist reporting crimes as they tend to believe that the police do not have the capacity or the willingness to adequately respond to their needs.  This leads to significant underreporting of crime and subsequently justice for victims cannot be assured,” Adviser for LGRD & Cooperative, Labour & Employment Mr. Md Anwarul Iqbal, BPM (Bar) PPM, said at a workshop.  

On Thursday, the PRP facilitated a workshop on Victim Support Services at a city hotel to identify the deficiencies in the current response system and develop strategies to improve the police capacity to address the needs of victims. It also aimed at taking suggestions on victim support facilities. 

Mr. Md. Abdul Karim, Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Nur Mohammad, Inspector General, Bangladesh Police, Mr. Manoj Basnyat, County Director, UNDP Bangladesh, Mr. N.B.K. Tripura, ndc,

Additional Inspector General, Bangladesh Police and National Project Director of the PRP and Mr. Hubert Staberhofer, Programme Manager of the PRP also spoke. Chiefs of different police units and senior police officials were present at the workshop.

The need to provide appropriate timely and professional support to victims of crime is a significant problem not only in Bangladesh but in many countries throughout the world. In Bangladesh, there are no procedures that ensure that victims and in particular women and children have access appropriate support.

Traditionally the focus for law enforcement agencies has been on apprehending criminals.  The concept of providing professional support services to victims of crime is relatively new in Bangladesh. The idea of victim support services is not appropriately recognised and there is no separate legislation in this regard. 

In partnership with key stakeholders, the VSC will provide professional support to victims of crime and address their immediate needs with referral services. It will also provide information, support and assistance such as psychological counseling, legal assistance and healthcare to victims of crime, to witnesses and to families. The VSC will also raise public awareness and promote victim's rights so that victims of crime are well supported and safe.

The PRP will establish a model Victim Support Centre initially in Dhaka. This will later be replicated in other areas.

It is envisaged that establishment of VSCs will enable greater accessibility to support services and relevant information by victims and their families.

“The VSC will have specially trained police officers, mostly women, who will extend cooperation for victim support. Health care professionals, social workers, lawyers and different NGOs will also be engaged in the support process. Victims will be treated with respect and dignity irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnic, cultural, religion, political or disability,” Mr. N.B.K. Tripura, ndc, Additional Inspector General, Bangladesh Police and National Project Director of the PRP said.

In 2005, the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and the Department for International Development (DFID) launched the first phase of the PRP 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 PRP 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.

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Service Delivery Centre starts off in Comilla to enhance Police-Community Relations

Comilla, August 8 : A Police Service Delivery Centre has been opened at the Kotwali Model Police Station with an emphasis on friendly community-police relations based on mutual understanding, trust and cooperation to prevent crime.

Inspector General of Bangladesh Police, Mr. Nur Mohammad inaugurated the Service Delivery Centre on August 8.

At the same time, a `Police Open Day’ has been arranged at the Kotwali Model Police Station, which will be a regular event for the police station involving the local people. The aim of the Day is to facilitate interaction, foster partnership between people and police and to ensure community involvement in the process.

Comilla Kotwali Model Police Station is one of the model police stations under the Police Reform Programme (PRP) of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Service Delivery Centre aims at providing better and community-friendly services to the people.

In close cooperation with the Comilla District Police Administration, the PRP has organised the inaugural ceremony of the Service Delivery Centre and the Police Open Day.

PRP’s National Project Director and Additional Inspector General of Police, Mr. N B K Tripura, ndc and PRP’s Project Manager Mr. Hubert Staberhofer, spoke on the occasion. Comilla Police Super, Mr. Mir Shahidul Islam, PPM chaired the function.     

In a recent survey conducted by the PRP, the overwhelming majority of the respondents (82-83%) from 11 model police stations areas have mentioned that people report to police mainly when the crime committed is a life-threatening one, and not in ‘ordinary’ crime cases.

The Open Day will provide an opportunity for the local residents to visit the Model Police Station see what is happening in their local police station and discuss issues that affect them. Police can also facilitate community efforts to create positive changes within their neighborhood. It will provide Police with an opportunity to take into account community aspirations and use limited resources efficiently. The Community-Police interaction will promote openness in police practices and improve police image.

Addressing the inaugural function, the Inspector General of Bangladesh Police 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 other model police stations under the PRP are Panchlaish Thana and Patenga Thana, Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP), Chittagong; Hathazari Thana, Chittagong; Feni Sadar Thana, Feni; Comilla Sadar Thana, Comilla; Chandpur Sadar Thana, Chandpur, Sonagazi Thana, Feni, Dhanmondi Thana, Dhaka, Uttara Thana, Dhaka, Narayanganj Sadar Thana, Narayangonj; Narsingdi Sadar Thana, Narsingdi; Bhaluka Thana, Mymensingh; Jessore Kotwali Thana, Jessore; Katiadi, Kishoreganj;  Gangachhara Thana, Rangpur;  Damurhuda Thana, Chuadanga District; Bahubal Thana, Hobiganj District.

During the ceremony, Mr. Nur Mohammad distributed bicycles, torch lights, mobile phones and umbrellas among the Chawkidars and Dafadars under the police station.

An art competition was also arranged as part of the Police Open Day entitled “The Face of Future Police”. The Inspector General later distributed prize among the winners.  

In 2005, the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and the Department for International Development (DFID) launched the first phase of the PRP 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 PRP 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.

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Service Delivery Centre starts off in Chittagong to enhance Police-Community Relations

Panchlaish (Chittagong): A Police Service Delivery Centre has been opened at the Panchlaish Model Police Station with an emphasis on friendly community-police relations based on mutual understanding, trust and cooperation to prevent crime.

Inspector General of Bangladesh Police, Mr. Nur Mohammad inaugurated the Service Delivery Centre Saturday.

At the same time, a `Police Open Day’ has been arranged at the Panchlaish Model Police Station, which will be a regular event for the police station involving the local people. The aim of the Day is to facilitate interaction, foster partnership between people and police and to ensure community involvement in the process.

Panchlaish Model Police Station is one of the model police stations under the Police Reform Programme (PRP) of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Service Delivery Centre aims at providing better and community-friendly services to the people.

In close cooperation with the Chittagong Metropolitan Police Administration, the PRP has organised the inaugural ceremony of the Service Delivery Centre and the Police Open Day.

PRP’s National Project Director and Additional Inspector General of Police, Mr. N B K Tripura, ndc, PRP’s Project Manager Mr. Hubert Staberhofer and UNDP’s Programme Officer Ms. Satoko Nadamoto spoke on the occasion. Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Mr. Md. Moinur Rahman Chowdhury, chaired the function.

In a recent survey conducted by the PRP, the overwhelming majority of the respondents (82-83%) from 11 model police stations areas have mentioned that people report to police mainly when the crime committed is a life-threatening one, and not in ‘ordinary’ crime cases.

The Open Day will provide an opportunity for the local residents to visit the Model Police Station see what is happening in their local police station and discuss issues that affect them. Police can also facilitate community efforts to create positive changes within their neighborhood. It will provide Police with an opportunity to take into account community aspirations and use limited resources efficiently. The Community-Police interaction will promote openness in police practices and improve police image.

Mr Nur Mohammad 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.

“It is the high time to bring in some positive changes in the police department which is now free from all undue pressures that it frequently faced before January 11 this year. “

The IGP called upon all to say 'Yes' to police and extend helping hands to build a prosperous Bangladesh.

"Radical changes have already started taking place in police department while it might take some time to remove the stigmas completely," he added.  "Earlier, we could not work independently when 'vested quarters' even interfered with the appointment of officer-in-charge in police stations where 'their' approval was a must," he said. 

Nur Mohammad said these quarters are also equally responsible for the bad name of police department. 

Panchlaish Thana is the first model police station refurbished and inaugurated under the PRP in Chittagong. The other model police stations under the PRP in Chittagong Division are Patenga Thana, Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP), Chittagong; Hathazari Thana, Chittagong; Feni Sadar Thana, Feni; Comilla Sadar Thana, Comilla; Chandpur Sadar Thana, Chandpur and Sonagazi Thana, Feni. 

The other model police stations under the PRP across the country are: Dhanmondi Thana, Dhaka, Uttara Thana, Dhaka, Narayanganj Sadar Thana, Narayangonj; Narsingdi Sadar Thana, Narsingdi; Bhaluka Thana, Mymensingh; Jessore Kotwali Thana, Jessore; Katiadi, Kishoreganj;  Gangachhara Thana, Rangpur;  Damurhuda Thana, Chuadanga District; Bahubal Thana, Hobiganj District.

During the ceremony, Mr. Nur Mohammad distributed bicycles, torch lights, mobile phones and umbrellas among the community police members under the Panchlaish police station.

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