Home adviser seeks UK support for police reform
The Home Adviser of the Interim Government, Lieutenant General (retd) M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, has requested the United Kingdom's assistance in reforming Bangladesh's police force.
He expressed the government's commitment to transforming the law enforcement agency into a skilled, impartial, and people-friendly force.
During a courtesy call from British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke on Wednesday, August 28, the adviser emphasized the importance of UK cooperation in providing necessary training and support for police reform. Cooke assured the adviser of the UK's support and announced that a team of UK experts would visit Bangladesh the following month.
The two officials discussed various areas of mutual interest, including counter-terrorism, illegal migration, flood rehabilitation, and Rohingya repatriation.
Regarding the ongoing investigation into forced disappearances during the previous regime, the Home Adviser informed Cooke about the formation of a five-member commission to investigate the cases. The commission will examine the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a significant number of people, primarily political opponents, allegedly at the hands of law enforcement agencies.
The UK High Commissioner stressed the importance of fair trials and respect for human rights in addressing these incidents. She urged the government to bring those involved to justice through a speedy trial process.
The Home Adviser also briefed the British envoy on the arrival of a United Nations fact-finding mission to Bangladesh. Cooke expressed her government's desire to support the Interim Government and highlighted the UK's existing cooperation with Bangladesh in counter-terrorism efforts.
The UK diplomat sought the adviser's cooperation in repatriating illegal Bangladeshis residing in the UK. The adviser assured her that the government would follow standard operating procedures for such repatriations.
While the adviser requested UK assistance for the rehabilitation and repatriation of Rohingya refugees, the UK High Commissioner noted that the UK was the second-largest financial contributor to Rohingya aid, having spent 400 million pounds sterling over the past seven years. She also mentioned the UK's efforts to raise the Rohingya issue at the United Nations Security Council.
Finally, the Home Adviser sought British support for flood relief efforts in Bangladesh.
The home adviser sought British support to help the flood affected people of Bangladesh.
British High Commission’s First secretary (political) Doyin Adele-Shiyanbola, immigration liaison and Migration manager Lee Mac Rae along with high officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, among others, were present.
