Bangladesh Police Reform Commission Recommends Modern Tech Core
The Bangladesh Police Reform Commission has proposed significant technological upgrades to modernize the country’s law enforcement. The commission’s January 2025 report outlines a series of measures designed to address long-standing issues such as corruption, inefficiency, and public mistrust by integrating advanced technologies.
Among the key recommendations is the formation of an ‘ICT and Tech Core,’ a specialized division focused on bolstering the technological capabilities of the police force. This core aims to enhance crime prevention, personal security, police mobility, public engagement, and overall investigative efficiency.
The report emphasizes the potential of modern policing technologies. These include advanced digital forensics, DNA analysis, biometric identification, AI-driven crime detection, and improved cybersecurity measures. The commission believes that by moving away from traditional confession-based investigations and embracing scientific, data-driven techniques, the police can improve the speed and accuracy of criminal identification and case resolution.
The ‘ICT and Tech Core’ is envisioned as a critical component, responsible for the acquisition, deployment, and maintenance of digital tools, while also ensuring the cybersecurity of police operations.
This new core would function as a career service, with officers trained in digital security, forensic analysis, AI-driven crime detection, and software development. The commission suggests establishing four specialized units within the new division:
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Cyber Threat/Crime Prevention Unit: This unit will focus on digital security using ethical hacking tools. It will be equipped with knowledge of big data analysis, AI, and fake news detection software.
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Digital Forensic Unit: Responsible for extracting and analyzing electronic evidence from devices, ensuring stronger legal proceedings against cybercriminals.
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Software Development and Maintenance Unit: This unit aims to reduce the police force’s dependency on external vendors. The report indicates that software purchased from vendors is expensive, and maintaining such software through vendors can be unsafe. Developing in-house software would save money and improve data security. The unit would also oversee any software purchases, ensuring they align with the force’s overall needs.
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Hardware and Network Monitoring Unit: Will oversee IT infrastructure to enhance security and cost efficiency.
To support this transformation, the commission recommends establishing the proposed Centre for Police Research and Development (CPRD). The Police Staff College and the Police Academy may initially collaborate on providing manpower and equipment. However, the commission suggests that an independent long-term facility be created, subject to budget availability from the government.
One element of the report is the potential use of ‘Police bots,’ or humanoid robots, in law enforcement. The commission suggests these robots could be deployed on an experimental basis for bomb disposal.
