BD calls for digital transformation of UN police

Bangladesh has called for a more adaptive, technology-driven and future-ready United Nations Police force capable of addressing increasingly complex global security challenges, Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said at the UN Chiefs of Police Summit 2026 in New York on Wednesday.

Speaking at the 5th United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit 2026 at the UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said existing capabilities must evolve to address future threats.

“Tomorrow’s security challenges cannot be addressed with yesterday’s capabilities,” he said.

The minister stressed the need for greater investment in highly skilled personnel, specialised expertise and innovative approaches as criminal networks become more sophisticated and increasingly operate across borders, according to a press release received from the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations on Thursday.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, Salahuddin said the country had undertaken significant reforms to make its police force better equipped to respond to changing security demands.

He proposed establishing a UN Police Knowledge and Innovation Network to facilitate systematic sharing of expertise, experiences and best practices among member states.

The minister also identified climate change as an emerging security challenge and proposed holding an annual Conference on Environment and Policing to strengthen international cooperation, knowledge exchange and preparedness in dealing with climate-related security risks.

Bangladesh has been one of the major contributors to United Nations peacekeeping operations, providing police personnel and other security forces in various missions.

The government said reforms in the police sector were aimed at enhancing capacity, professionalism and readiness to respond to evolving global challenges.