Police officials and journalists from across Bangladesh have joined a three-day workshop in Dhaka aimed at strengthening cooperation between law enforcement and media while promoting freedom of expression, journalist safety and public order, said in a press release.
The workshop titled “Promoting Freedom of Expression and Maintaining Public Order to Uphold Democracy and the Rule of Law” is being held from 16–18 June at a hotel in Dhaka under the UN Electoral Assistance Project BALLOT, organised by UNESCO in association with Bangladesh Police Headquarters, with 27 police officials and 16 journalists participating.
Additional Inspector General of Police (HRM) Khandokar Rafiqul Islam, BPM, PPM, said freedom of expression and public order are both essential to democracy, stressing that police and media play complementary roles in ensuring a safe and stable society.
UNESCO Head of Office and Representative to Bangladesh Dr Susan Vize said strong institutions and strong media ecosystems are partners in promoting freedom of expression and the rule of law, adding that the workshop provides an opportunity to build trust and improve communication.
The session was moderated by Additional DIG (Training-1) Mohammad Saiful Islam, Bangladesh Police Headquarters, who highlighted the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, human rights and accountable governance.
The first day focused on freedom of expression, journalist safety and police-media relations, including international standards and cooperation mechanisms. The second day will include joint discussions, crisis communication training and social media engagement exercises. The final day will focus on scenario-based exercises addressing public order situations, journalist protection and practical recommendations for improving cooperation.
The workshop is expected to produce recommendations to strengthen collaboration between law enforcement and media while enhancing access to information and journalist safety.
UNESCO noted that since 2013 it has worked globally with law enforcement agencies on freedom of expression and journalist safety, engaging more than 13,000 officers through training programmes and partnerships.
