More than 150,000 police personnel across Bangladesh will undergo specialized training ahead of the upcoming national election, scheduled for February next year. The initiative aims to ensure the polls are conducted in a free, fair, peaceful, and secure environment.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Kazi Zia Uddin shared the development on Friday, noting that the program reflects the force’s commitment to maintaining order during what is expected to be a milestone in the country’s democratic journey.

According to DIG Zia Uddin, the training will equip officers with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to address any potential challenges during the election period. “To guarantee a free, impartial, and peaceful national election, we will provide all kinds of essential training to more than one and a half lakh members of the police force,” he said.

The Human Resource Development Division at the police headquarters, overseen by Zia Uddin, has been working intensively on the initiative for the past three months. In consultation with election experts and legal professionals, the department has designed nine training modules tailored specifically to election duties.

The DIG described the course as comprehensive, developed under the direct guidance of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Additional IGP (HR). He expressed confidence that the training would prepare the police to effectively manage any law-and-order situation that might arise during the election.

Bangladesh Police currently operates 134 training centers nationwide, including 130 smaller units and four major facilities. These venues will serve as hubs for delivering the large-scale training program.

As part of the program, supplementary materials have been prepared to support the learning process. These include two documentaries, a 15-minute audiovisual presentation, a nine-minute film, and an informative booklet. Officials believe these resources will make the training more interactive and practical.

The rollout began with an initial session held between August 31 and September 2 at the police headquarters in Dhaka, where 150 master trainers were trained under the new modules. Authorities plan to expand this effort further by creating a pool of 1,292 master trainers—known as Trainers of Trainers (TOTs)—across 19 police training institutions nationwide. These trainers will later be responsible for educating the broader force of more than 150,000 officers.

Zia Uddin emphasized that realistic, scenario-based drills would be a crucial part of the training, ensuring officers are prepared to respond swiftly to various potential situations during the election. The exercises are designed to simulate real-world conditions, helping officers gain hands-on experience in managing crowds, addressing security threats, and coordinating effectively with other agencies.

“This initiative is being conducted with the sole purpose of ensuring comprehensive security during the election period,” the DIG noted. He stressed that the program represents not just routine preparation, but a significant investment in strengthening the capacity of the police force during a critical national event.

The police headquarters is set to formally inaugurate the training program with an event at the Rajarbagh Police Lines later this week. The launch ceremony is expected to showcase the new training approach and highlight the force’s readiness to safeguard the election process.

With the election approaching, the large-scale training initiative signals a proactive step by law enforcement authorities to uphold the integrity of the democratic process. By building a well-prepared, highly trained force, officials hope to foster public confidence and ensure that the upcoming polls are remembered as a landmark in the nation’s electoral history.

Source: BSS