Police officials and journalists from across the country have joined a three-day workshop in Dhaka aimed at strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the media while promoting freedom of expression, journalist safety and public order.
The workshop titled “Promoting Freedom of Expression and Maintaining Public Order to Uphold Democracy and the Rule of Law,” began on Tuesday at a city hotel under the UN Electoral Assistance Project BALLOT.
The programme is being organised by UNESCO in association with Bangladesh Police Headquarters.
A total of 27 police officials and 16 journalists are participating in the June 16–18 workshop, which seeks to enhance professional cooperation between law enforcement personnel and media practitioners while promoting freedom of expression and effective public order management.
Addressing the opening session, Khandokar Rafiqul Islam, BPM, PPM, Additional Inspector General of Police (HRM), Bangladesh Police Headquarters, highlighted the complementary roles of police and the media in society.
“Freedom of expression and maintaining public order are both fundamental to a democratic society. The challenge is to ensure that these objectives reinforce rather than contradict each other,” he said. “Police and media have different but complementary roles, and both contribute to a safe, stable and prosperous society.”
In her remarks, Dr. Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, emphasised the importance of constructive engagement between law enforcement agencies and media professionals. “Strong institutions and strong media ecosystems should not be adversaries. They are partners in supporting citizens and promoting freedom of expression and the rule of law,” she said. “This workshop provides an opportunity for police and media professionals to strengthen communication, build trust and work together more effectively.”
The session was moderated by Mohammad Saiful Islam, Additional DIG (Training-1), Bangladesh Police Headquarters, who welcomed the participants and guests and highlighted the significance of the workshop in strengthening democratic institutions, human rights and accountable governance.
The workshop is expected to generate practical recommendations for strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies and media professionals while promoting freedom of expression, access to information and the safety of journalists.
Since 2013, UNESCO has worked with law enforcement agencies worldwide to strengthen protection for freedom of expression, access to information and the safety of journalists. Through its training programmes and partnerships, UNESCO and its partners have engaged more than 13,000 law enforcement officers on issues related to freedom of expression, journalist safety and professional police-media relations.
