Third NWG Meeting in Bangladesh

The third NWG meeting in Bangladesh took place today in Dhaka. Sixteen participants took part in the meeting, representing backgrounds that include the court system, civil society, the armed forces, academia, think tanks, the police and paramilitary forces.

The topic of COVID-19 remained high on the agenda, specifically the role of security actors in the ongoing effort to address the pandemic. Specific topics include the necessity for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the police, the police's role in policing the lockdown, the effect of youth platforms on countering the threat of online radicalisation, and the need for clearer national strategies that match resources and goals for security institutions. The discussion ended with recommendations for steps to be taken, that include an effort enhance health crisis preparedness, for instance with proper training, good information and knowledge sharing, and deployment of specialised teams.