Bangladesh and China have discussed expanding cooperation in security, law enforcement, cybercrime prevention and technology as the two countries seek to strengthen collaboration in law enforcement capacity and training.
The issues were discussed at a meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday between Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, according to a handout issued by the Press Information Department (PID).
Both the minister and the ambassador emphasized the importance of enhancing law enforcement capabilities, particularly in technology and combating cybercrime.
The Chinese ambassador said over the past two years, China has provided training to more than 100 members of Bangladesh's law enforcement agencies in areas such as cybercrime, public security management, traffic and transportation management, immigration, and for the UN peacekeeping missions.
Cyber security unit for police
The home minister said the Bangladesh government has taken an initiative to establish a specialized “Cyber Security Unit” for the police and develop the necessary infrastructure.
He said plans are being implemented to establish digital forensic laboratories and cyber laboratories at the police stations, and at district, divisional and central levels.
Ambassador Yao Wen suggested that Bangladesh could send a team of experts to China to visit the laboratories, meet the Chinese experts and exchange technical expertise in a bid to help prevent cybercrimes in Bangladesh.
In response, the minister announced that Bangladesh will send a five-member high-level delegation to China, led by an additional inspector general of police from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), along with an additional deputy inspector general and cyber and digital forensic experts.
The delegation will observe cyber laboratories and technologies in China and prepare specific proposals for establishing forensic laboratories and procuring equipment in Bangladesh, he said.
Yao Wen said China is currently the No. 1 development partner of Bangladesh and a leading investor in the country.
He urged the minister to ensure overall security for Chinese citizens, businesspeople and investors working in Bangladesh.
In response, Salahuddin said China is not only one of Bangladesh’s top investors but also one of its major strategic development partners.
He reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to ensuring the highest level of security for all Chinese citizens, businesspeople and workers involved in development projects in Bangladesh.
At the meeting, Yao Wen informed Salahuddin that he will leave Bangladesh after completing his tenure in early October.
He conveyed greetings to the home minister from China’s Minister of Public Security and handed over an invitation to visit China to attend a public security forum and meet the Chinese minister on the sidelines.
Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, CID chief Barrister Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain, Additional Secretary of the Home Ministry Dr Ziauddin Ahmed, among others, were present at the meeting.