Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) Commissioner Mohammad Faizul Kabir today urged police officers to approach children with empathy, trust, and sensitivity, particularly those who have experienced trauma. Speaking at the inauguration of a daylong training program on psychosocial care for police officers, Kabir highlighted the importance of creating a sense of security in children to facilitate open communication and accurate understanding of their situations. He stressed that police officers working with children must be humane, patient, and sensitive.
Training Program on Psychosocial Care
The training program, jointly organized by the RMP and World Vision Bangladesh’s Rajshahi City Area Development Programme, took place at the POM Conference Room of the Police Lines. The event aimed to equip police officers with the necessary skills to provide effective psychosocial support to children. Additional Police Commissioner Faruk Hossain and Deputy Commissioner Khorshed Alam attended as special guests.
Expert Insights and Participant Engagement
Professor Murshida Ferdous Binte Habib from the Department of Psychology at Rajshahi University served as a trainer, discussing children’s mental development, the effects of trauma, behavioral changes among child victims, safe communication, and strategies for providing psychosocial support. Lotus Chisim, Senior Manager of World Vision’s Rajshahi City Area Development Coordination Office, presided over the session, with Programme Officer Ripon Haldar moderating the discussion.
Participants and Objectives
A total of 30 officers, including ASIs, SIs, and inspectors from the Women and Children Help Desks of various police stations under the RMP, along with five officers from the Victim Support Centre, participated in the training. The objective was to enhance the officers’ abilities to handle cases involving children with greater care and understanding.
Why This Matters for Bangladesh
Ensuring that police officers are equipped to handle cases involving children with empathy and sensitivity is crucial for Bangladesh. It not only helps in providing better support to child victims but also aids in the accurate investigation and resolution of cases. This approach fosters a safer environment for children and promotes trust in law enforcement agencies.
