Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Tuesday said that around 150,000 police personnel are being provided with election-related training for the first time ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary elections.

He said the training programme will be completed within this month.

The IGP made the remarks during a courtesy call paid by a three-member delegation of UNESCO at the Police Headquarters. The delegation included UNESCO Bangladesh Office Country Director Dr Susan Vize and Team Leader of the Rule of Law and Freedom of Expression Section at UNESCO Headquarters Mehdi Benchelah.

The meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, during which issues such as strengthening constructive and professional relations between police and journalists, rule of law, freedom of expression, and UNESCO’s role in preventing misinformation and disinformation were discussed.

The UNESCO delegation reiterated the organisation’s global mandate to promote freedom of expression, safety of journalists and access to information.

They also proposed organising training programmes on fact-checking for journalists and relevant stakeholders to enhance mutual trust and professionalism between police and the media.

Highlighting the importance of fact-checking in preventing misinformation, disinformation and rumours, the UNESCO delegation members said such training would help safeguard public interest and support crisis management.

Welcoming the delegation, the IGP briefed them on the country’s prevailing law and order situation, police preparations for the upcoming national parliamentary elections and other related issues.

He also outlined the overall measures taken to maintain peace and order during the election period.

Additional Inspector General of Police (Special Branch) Md Golam Rasul and other concerned police officials were present at the meeting.