Dhaka:Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has urged Singapore to extend training and technical assistance to Bangladesh Police to strengthen their capabilities in ensuring cyberspace security, combating digital fraud, and preventing online scams. The minister made the request during a courtesy meeting with Singapore's Non-Resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Derek Loh, at his office in Jatiya Sangsad building today, said a Home Ministry press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Home Minister highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity and the need to enhance the professional and technical capabilities of Bangladesh Police in addressing emerging cyber threats. He referred to the ongoing initiative to establish a dedicated Police Cyber Unit under the leadership of an Additional Inspector General of Police (Additional IGP) and expressed Bangladesh's interest in benefiting from Singapore's expertise in cybercrime prevention and investigation.
He sought Singapore's cooperation in providing specialized training, technical knowledge, and capacity-building support for Bangladesh Police, particularly in tackling cyber fraud, online scams, and other forms of digital crime. In response, the Singapore delegation expressed its positive commitment to extending training opportunities and exploring cooperation in joint cyber investigation support, knowledge sharing, and technical capacity development.
The two sides also discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure development, and maritime connectivity, including the proposed Bay Terminal project at Chattogram Port. High Commissioner Derek Loh discussed the progress of a proposed investment of approximately US$800 million to US$1 billion by PSA International in the Bay Terminal project, expressing PSA's readiness to participate in the development and operation of the terminal.
The meeting also covered ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Singapore. The Home Minister expressed optimism about its early conclusion to expand bilateral trade and investment opportunities. Furthermore, the Singapore High Commissioner proposed opportunities under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) for exchange visits and specialized training programmes for Bangladeshi government officials and young Members of Parliament, which the Home Minister welcomed.
Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations and expanding cooperation between the two countries. At the beginning of the meeting, the Home Minister welcomed the Singapore High Commissioner, who also invited him to visit Singapore at a mutually convenient time. Among others, Philip Ong, Chargé d'Affaires of the Singapore High Commission; Wong Tze Ping, Regional Head of PSA International; Benjamin Chue, Enterprise Singapore's representative for South Asia; Mrithini TGGRITHARAN, Desk Officer at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and officials from Bangladesh's Ministry of Home Affairs, were present.