A three-member Unesco delegation met with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam at the Police Headquarters on Tuesday to discuss strengthening professional relations between the police and media.
The delegation included Dr Susan Vize, country director of the Unesco Bangladesh Office, and Mehdi Benchelah, team leader of the Rule of Law and Freedom of Expression Section at Unesco Headquarters, read a press release.
During the meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, both parties discussed the rule of law, freedom of expression, and Unesco’s role in preventing misinformation and disinformation.
The Unesco representatives reaffirmed their global mandate to promote the safety of journalists and the right to information. To enhance mutual trust and professionalism, the delegation proposed fact-checking training for journalists and relevant stakeholders.
They emphasised that such training is crucial for protecting the public interest and managing crises by preventing the spread of rumours and false information.
IGP Baharul Alam briefed the delegation on the country’s current law and order situation and the police’s preparations for the upcoming National Parliament Election.
He informed the representatives that, for the first time, approximately 150,000 police members are receiving specialized electoral training. This training programme is expected to be completed within the current month.
The IGP also detailed the comprehensive measures being implemented to maintain peace and order during the election period. Additional IG and chief of Special Branch Md Golam Rasul along with other senior police officials, was present during the discussion.
