Bangladesh: ICITAP-Developed Host Nation Instructors Continue Self-Initiated Training Efforts for Human Rights

On June 29, the ICITAP-Bangladesh mission provided an update on the impact of its Human Rights assistance efforts in Bangladesh. Following the completion of an ICITAP-led Human Rights and Dignity course in May 2024, a Host Nation Instructor (HNI) – rank of Superintendent of Police – from the Police Bureau of Investigations (PBI) – Chattogram District, demonstrated his commitment to our INL-funded Human Rights and Host Nation Instructor programs by organizing and completing a day-long Human Rights and Dignity course on June 6, 2024 for personnel assigned within his unit. While attending ICITAP’s course in May, the HNI had expressed his strong appreciation for the information and training provided during this event, further highlighting his strong desire to share what he had learned with his unit members, allowing for opportunities for discussion, sharing of insights, and afford openings for improved policy and procedures. This workshop was carefully designed to explore crucial topics such as international human rights standards, ethical conduct, and professional integrity, with the goal of enhancing officers' abilities in identifying signs of abuse and reshaping police mindsets. To sculpt this latest effort for his unit, SP Nazmul focused on confronting the significant challenge of human rights violations in law enforcement by highlighting strategies to minimize risks during criminal investigations, highlighting the importance of respecting human rights throughout the entire investigative process, including crime scenes, arrests, victim support, and interviews. This unit-initiated training event, spearheaded by ICITAP’s HNI, proved very successful, with the 17 graduating attendees acknowledging the foundational impact that human rights have in providing effective and fair law enforcement, each pledging to uphold human rights as they continue to carry out their duties going forward.