The Bangladesh Police Women Network (BPWN) held a workshop in Dhaka to implement its Strategic Plan (2024–2027), aimed at strengthening women's leadership, professional skills, and gender-responsive policing. The event, held at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh, brought together 160 police personnel, with 80 percent being women. The workshop focused on the BPWN Strategic Plan, cybercrime awareness, mental well-being, and gender-responsive policing practices. DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed inaugurated the event, emphasizing BPWN's role in building a more inclusive police institution. Acting Deputy Inspector General of Dhaka Range M.A. Jalil highlighted the importance of fair and effective policing for all citizens. European Union Delegation Team Leader Enrico Lorenzon stressed the need for national leadership and institutional commitment for successful implementation. Established in 2008, BPWN promotes women's leadership and professional development within Bangladesh Police, which currently has 17,970 female personnel, accounting for 9.07 percent of its total strength. The initiative is supported by UN Women under a European Union-funded project to combat sexual and gender-based violence in Bangladesh. Strengthening gender-responsive policing is crucial for ensuring fair and effective law enforcement, particularly in addressing sexual and gender-based violence, which remains a significant issue in the country.
The workshop's focus on gender-responsive policing aligns with global efforts to ensure law enforcement agencies are inclusive and sensitive to the needs of all citizens, particularly women and marginalized groups. By enhancing women's leadership and professional skills within the police force, BPWN aims to create a more balanced and effective institution capable of addressing the diverse needs of the community. The inclusion of sessions on cybercrime awareness and mental well-being reflects the evolving challenges faced by modern police forces, requiring a comprehensive approach to training and development.
