Bangladesh Police on Monday reiterated its commitment to building an integrated security framework through stronger international cooperation, enhanced information sharing and institutional capacity-building to tackle increasingly complex transnational and emerging global crimes.
To advance that goal, it organised, for the first time, a coordination meeting titled "Diplomatic Security Cooperation, Information Sharing and Capacity Building of Bangladesh Police" at a city hotel.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir chaired the meeting, which was attended by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Manzur Morshed Chowdhury, ambassadors and high commissioners, security officials of the missions, representatives of international organisations based in Dhaka and senior police officials.
Presenting the keynote paper, Additional Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Belal Uddin said the nature of global crime has become increasingly complex, with violent extremism, organised crime, cybercrime, digital fraud, terrorist financing, human trafficking, online gambling, artificial intelligence-based crimes, deepfakes, misinformation and disinformation posing serious cross-border security challenges.
The paper noted that modern organised crimes frequently involve multiple jurisdictions, foreign nationals, cross-border financial transactions and sophisticated international networks, making strong diplomatic partnerships essential rather than optional.
It highlighted Bangladesh Police's existing international cooperation framework through its Overseas Affairs Wing, National Central Bureau (NCB), UN Operations Wing, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Special Branch (SB), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) and Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU), which regularly support cross-border investigations.
The paper also noted that Bangladesh Police has earned international recognition through its contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, regional security initiatives, international investigations and diplomatic engagement.
Addressing the meeting, Foreign Secretary Asad stressed the need for enhanced international cooperation to strengthen diplomatic security and address evolving global security challenges.
He said closer collaboration among countries is essential to reinforce diplomatic security and improve global safety.
The foreign secretary also praised the Bangladesh Police's Diplomatic Security Division for its commendable role in ensuring the safety and security of diplomats stationed in the country.
He underscored the need for establishing a specialised unit dedicated to providing security for foreign missions in Bangladesh.
Manzur Morshed said ensuring security in the current global environment has become increasingly difficult without close coordination, information sharing and cooperation among countries.
He said Bangladesh Police, while serving in UN peacekeeping missions abroad, is also working with international partners to combat cybercrime, financial crime and other forms of transnational crime.
In his address, IGP Ali Hossain Fakir said Bangladesh Police is not only a domestic law enforcement agency but also a reliable partner in the global security architecture.
He said the force's participation in UN peacekeeping operations since 1989 reflects its long-standing commitment to international cooperation.
The IGP said effective policing in today's interconnected world depends on close collaboration and diplomatic engagement with international partners.
He said the initiative will facilitate direct engagement between foreign missions and Bangladesh Police's key operational and service units, ensuring improved communication, faster coordination and more effective operational support.
Ali Hossain Fakir urged all stakeholders to work together to strengthen information sharing, coordination and create new opportunities for cooperation.
An open discussion on the keynote paper was held during the meeting. DIG Md Kamrul Ahsan, DIG Taptun Nasreen and Additional DIG Mohiul Islam of the National Emergency Service 999 responded to questions from participants on behalf of Bangladesh Police.
Foreign diplomats attending the event welcomed the initiative and expressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh Police.
Participants also recommended enhancing coordination and information sharing with other countries to combat money laundering, financial crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and other forms of transnational crime.