Strengthening Community Policing to Counter Violent Extremism in Bangladesh
On March 12, 2024, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) announced significant advancements in community policing initiatives aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism in Bangladesh. Recognizing the critical balance between effective law enforcement and fostering community trust, UNODC’s approach underscores the importance of community policing, particularly in the face of evolving threats from extremism. This strategy exemplifies a collaborative effort to create a safer environment through proactive engagement with communities.
The initiative highlights a partnership with the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) of the Bangladesh Police, which began with a detailed Technical Needs Assessment (TNA) to evaluate the policing landscape and identify existing gaps. This assessment revealed the need for a comprehensive capacity-building plan that includes promoting community-based strategies. Funded by the Government of Canada, this project seeks not only to prevent radicalization but also to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals involved in violent activities.
A key component of these efforts has been the training of over 44 senior officers from various divisions of the Bangladesh Police, including counter-terrorism units. The training sessions, conducted in locations such as Rajshahi and Cox’s Bazar, encompassed two main modules: building police legitimacy and trust, and understanding the nuanced threats of terrorism and violent extremism. These modules provided law enforcement practitioners from diverse regions such as Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet, and Chittagong with insights into contemporary challenges in policing and ways to address them effectively.
Participants were exposed to international best practices aimed at fostering trust within communities. These best practices emphasized creating an ethical policing environment, promoting procedural justice, and enhancing communication strategies to foster transparency. The outcome of the training included the development of an action plan by each participant, tailored to integrate trust-building concepts into their daily policing activities.
The training sessions were inaugurated by notable figures including Mr. SM Ruhul Amin, Chief of the ATU, and Mr. Marco Teixeira, UNODC Regional Representative. In addition to the training, other key officials participated in the discussions, contributing to a collaborative atmosphere that fostered learning and sharing of strategies.
This initiative not only addresses immediate security concerns but also aligns with broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 5 (Gender Equality), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The comprehensive approach adopted by UNODC signals a commitment to enhancing both security and community relations in Bangladesh, ultimately striving for a harmonious society where trust between law enforcement and communities can thrive.
The ongoing efforts reflect a crucial step towards mitigating violent extremism through cooperative and effective policing mechanisms, ensuring that both security and community empowerment go hand in hand.
