Accra:The Bangladesh Police is intensifying its in-service training focused on the use of force, human rights, and professional ethics. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to make law enforcement more service-oriented, accountable, and responsive, while minimizing the risk of excessive force.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this effort addresses longstanding human rights concerns related to the use of force by law enforcement, particularly during political protests. The government plan aims to align officers' understanding with United Nations standards on minimum-force principles. To date, 818 police personnel have completed the training, which is 90.89 percent of the target set for 900 officers.
The training is conducted at 30 in-service centers, focusing on the principles governing the use of force in daily policing. Additional Inspector General of Police Gazi Jashim Uddin emphasized that the training helps officers understand appropriate use of force in various situations. However, challenges such as manpower shortages and inadequate funding have been identified, prompting calls for increased resources to sustain and expand the program.
The initiative also includes separate training on human rights, professional ethics, and integrity, with 804 officers trained so far. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance professional standards and encourage police to view their role as a public service requiring professionalism, restraint, and respect for citizens' rights.
The initiative is part of ongoing police reforms aimed at improving interactions with vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and the elderly. These reforms are essential for fostering more citizen-centered policing that respects human dignity.
The renewed focus on training follows allegations of excessive force by police during the 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh, where the use of force reportedly led to significant casualties. This context underscores the importance of ensuring that police operations adhere to international human rights standards.
The success of these training efforts will depend on sustained funding, adequate staffing, regular refresher courses, and effective accountability mechanisms to ensure that training principles are reflected in practical policing.