Bangladesh: UNODC trains police officials on enhancing transparency and trust to counter violent extremism

Dhaka and Barishal, Bangladesh/23 December 2024:  Amid growing security challenges in South Asia, fostering trust within communities has emerged as a vital pillar of effective policing. In Bangladesh, where community and beat policing are deeply embedded in law enforcement, combating terrorism and violent extremism requires not just strategy, but also legitimacy and trust.

In 2024, 365 officials of the District Counterterrorism Units, Range Police, Metropolitan Police, and the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) in Bangladesh were equipped with skills and tools to weave trust-building into their counterterrorism efforts. Supported by Global Affairs Canada, this UNODC-Bangladesh Police joint initiative focused on addressing the intricate and evolving challenges of violent extremism through community policing.

Participants explored strategies that emphasized procedural justice, ethical leadership, and effective communication as essential components of modern policing. Through an engaging mix of presentations, discussions, and practical exercises, the officers developed tailored action plans to embed these practices into their daily operations.

A key takeaway for the participants was the realization that trust-building is not just an abstract ideal but a concrete approach that can reduce the appeal of extremist narratives. The initiative aligned with Bangladesh Police’s broader commitment to bridging the gap between policy and practice in countering violent extremism.

By fostering a community-first approach to security, the training sought to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the public, building a foundation for a more inclusive and resilient society.

As the sessions concluded, participants left not only with action plans but also with a renewed sense of purpose. The training underscored that in the fight against violent extremism, trust is a force multiplier.

As part of the broader strategy, these trainings contribute to Bangladesh’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Supported by Global Affairs Canada)