DHAKA – Bangladesh has underlined its continuing support and commitment to INTERPOL through the announcement of their intention to second a senior police officer to INTERPOL’s General Secretariat in Lyon, France for the first time in its history.

Major General M A Matin, Adviser for the Ministry of Home Affairs, confirmed this historic decision during a meeting with INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble during his mission to Dhaka, the first time he has visited Bangladesh.

Major General Matin also endorsed the agreement reached between the Inspector General of Police, Mr Nur Mohammad and Mr Noble for three analysts and one Special Branch officer from the Criminal Investigation Department to receive advanced analytical training at the General Secretariat, to be funded by the Police Reform Programme.

Mr Noble agreed to send a two-person team to meet with Bangladesh Police in order to identify additional ways in which INTERPOL and its network of 186 member countries can offer technical assistance.

'Bangladesh’s decision to second a senior officer to Lyon is a significant one, especially given the competing demands on its scarce resources,' said INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble.

'It also recognises the need for national police to think beyond their borders, as the challenges facing law enforcement in the 21st century are international, not just national.

'Bangladesh seconding an officer to Lyon, working side by side with police officers from around the world, will benefit their own citizens, INTERPOL and the wider international police community.'

Officials from 80 countries are currently represented at the INTERPOL General Secretariat and its regional bureaus, including more than 150 law enforcement officers seconded by their national administrations.