UK Offers Support For Bangladesh Police Reform

The UK has assured its cooperation in building an efficient, impartial, and people-friendly police force in Bangladesh and in supporting the reform of the police force, according to the Home Advisor, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

On Wednesday, August 28, during a courtesy meeting at the Home Ministry in the Secretariat with the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, the advisor mentioned this.

The meeting covered various topics including inter-state cooperation in combating terrorism, dealing with illegal immigration, assisting in police reforms, flood rehabilitation, and supporting Rohingya refugees.

The advisor stated that efforts are underway to reform the police force to create an efficient, impartial, and people-friendly police force, although it is still in its initial stages. The UK could assist with training and other necessary support in this regard.

In response, the British High Commissioner mentioned that an expert team from the UK would visit Bangladesh in September to provide the necessary support on this matter.

The Home Advisor also noted that during the previous Awami League government, a neutral investigation commission, led by a retired judge of the High Court Division, had been established to find persons who were disappeared by law enforcement agencies. This commission will submit its investigation report within the next 45 days.

Additionally, the advisor informed the High Commissioner about the visit of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission to Bangladesh and sought the UK's assistance in supporting flood-affected individuals.

The meeting was also attended by the First Secretary (Political) of the UK Embassy, Doyin Adele Shiyanbola, and senior officials from the Home Ministry.