DHAKA, Dec 4, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at a high-level dialogue in Dhaka have stressed that sustained, inclusive and accountable approaches to security sector reform are vital for Bangladesh, highlighting effective police reform, democratic oversight, media engagement, and gender and human rights integration as key pillars of a people-centred security framework.

The conference, titled "Security Sector Reform (SSR): Challenges, Opportunities, and Pathways Forward," was hosted recently by the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) in strategic partnership with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), said a press release here today. 

BIPSS President Maj Gen ANM Muniruzzaman (retd) said Bangladesh is navigating a crucial period of institutional evolution that requires a fundamental re-evaluation of governance structures. 

He noted that the security sector, given its wide mandate, needs urgent reform to strengthen professional standards and rebuild public trust.

The first session examined recommendations of the Police Reform Commission, covering human rights and accountability, legal and operational modernisation, anti-corruption measures, human resources and welfare, gender equity, and the role of technology in restoring public confidence. 

While participants endorsed the technical strength of these proposals, they underlined that implementation remains a major challenge.

Highlighting broader strategic gaps, the BIPSS President said Bangladesh must establish a unified strategic security framework, including a National Security Policy (NSP) and a central coordination mechanism (NSC), to ensure consistent direction and improve inter-agency alignment.

A second session, moderated by DCAF, focused on democratic control, oversight and accountability. Participants stressed the importance of parliamentary oversight, judicial review, independent commissions and civil society engagement to prevent abuse of power and strengthen professional governance.
 
They also underscored the relevance of gender-sensitive oversight aligned with constitutional safeguards.

The second day of discussions centred on the security sector, gender and the role of media. 

A session moderated by Raheed Ejaz of Prothom Alo explored how stronger communication between the security sector and the media could bolster transparency and accountability. 

Speakers noted the media's role as a democratic watchdog while underscoring the need for responsible reporting and access to verified information.

The concluding session, moderated by Dr Marufa Akhter of IUB, focused on integrating gender perspectives and upholding human rights in security operations. Participants called for gender-responsive training, survivor-centred approaches, stronger accountability mechanisms and greater representation of women in leadership roles.