Uttara:Bangladesh Police has launched initiatives to enhance women-friendly policing, including increasing the deployment of female personnel, upgrading service desks for women, children, and the elderly, and establishing daycare facilities for children of female police officers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, these efforts are part of ongoing police reforms aimed at making law enforcement more responsive to gender-based and online violence, as well as hate and bullying. Additional Inspector General of Police Gazi Jashim Uddin emphasized the importance of expanding women's participation in law enforcement and gender-responsive policing.
To support female police personnel in the eight divisional cities, daycare centers are being established, with one already under development in Uttara under the supervision of the 5 Armed Police Battalion. Additionally, service desks at the 64 district Sadar police stations are being transformed into model facilities with specialized training and modern equipment.
As part of the UNFPA-funded Prevention and Response for Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls project, 92 police stations across 10 districts, including Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Cox's Bazar, have established women and child help desks. These facilities provide initial awareness and training on rights and legal assistance for women, children, and the elderly.
With 17,970 female personnel, accounting for 9.07 percent of its total strength, Bangladesh Police is enhancing the roles of women across all ranks. Women officers have successfully demonstrated their capabilities and play pivotal roles, especially in addressing labor unrest in the garment sector.
Despite their achievements, a female sub-inspector noted the need for more opportunities in detective work, crime investigation, and operational leadership. Since the first recruitment of women in 1974, female personnel have progressed to various roles, including in metropolitan and district police units, Special Branch, and UN peacekeeping missions.
The Bangladesh Police Women Network, established in 2008, focuses on increasing women¾¢s representation and leadership within the force. Its Strategic Plan (2024-2027) aims to enhance professional skills and ensure safe and inclusive workplaces, contributing to the broader goal of gender-responsive policing.