The Head of the Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Bangladesh, Nicolas Fleury, paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office in the Secretariat on Sunday afternoon.
During the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest, including ensuring health and medical facilities for prisoners, modernizing the Jail Code, providing first aid and human rights training to enhance police capacity, and addressing the Rohingya crisis, said a media statement.
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The Home Minister welcomed the Head of the ICRC Bangladesh Delegation. The ICRC Head of Delegation also extended his sincere congratulations and best wishes to the Minister on assuming his new portfolio.
The Head of the ICRC Bangladesh Delegation informed that they have submitted necessary recommendations aimed at modernizing the existing Jail Code of Bangladesh.
Furthermore, a proposal has been sent to the Ministry of Health to improve healthcare facilities inside prisons.
At this time, the Minister stated that prisoners are sent to relevant specialized hospitals for advanced medical treatment when necessary. Besides, primary healthcare services are being ensured through the internal medical units of the prisons.
Appreciating the various training proposals by the ICRC to enhance the efficiency of the Police and Prison Police, the Minister remarked that such initiatives would be helpful in increasing professionalism.
Nicolas Fleury expressed that they are interested in organizing training on first aid and human rights for the police, as well as high-level training for senior officials of the police and prison departments.
The Minister assured full cooperation in this regard and requested the ICRC to send international-standard skilled trainers.
Thanking the ICRC for providing humanitarian and medical services to the Rohingyas, the Minister said that the Government of Bangladesh always wishes to keep the Rohingya crisis in the attention of the international community. He sought the continuous cooperation of the ICRC in this matter.
Assuring the ICRC Chief, the Minister stated that the Government of Bangladesh is always respectful of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and is committed to providing all kinds of administrative and policy support to the humanitarian activities of the ICRC.
He also expressed his gratitude for the ongoing technical and training assistance provided by the ICRC in complying with the Geneva Conventions and implementing International Humanitarian Law.
Additional Secretary of the Political Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary of the Political-1 Branch Rebeka Khan, and Deputy Secretary of the Political-1 Section Begum Minara Nazmin, among others, were also present.