Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has called for enhanced international cooperation to effectively address increasingly complex global security challenges.
He also proposed the establishment of a United Nations Police Knowledge and Innovation Network to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, technology, and professional expertise among member states.
The minister made the remarks while addressing the first plenary session of the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Wednesday.
Salahuddin Ahmed is leading a five-member Bangladesh delegation to the two-day summit, held from July 7–8.
In his speech, the Home Minister said that rapid technological advancement and the growing reach of transnational criminal networks have made the global security environment increasingly complex. In response, he stressed the need to modernize conventional policing systems and strengthen technology-driven law enforcement capabilities.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations, he said the country’s Formed Police Units (FPUs) have been modernized to meet future operational challenges. He also noted that Bangladesh Police has significantly enhanced the capacities of its Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams, Bomb Disposal Unit, cyber and organized crime investigation units, forensic services, immigration police, and intelligence-led policing.
To promote the sharing of best practices, operational experience, and technological innovations among member states, the Home Minister proposed the creation of a United Nations Police Knowledge and Innovation Network.
He further suggested organizing an Annual Environmental Policing Conference to strengthen global preparedness for security threats arising from climate change.
Calling on the international community to build a United Nations policing system that is adaptive, innovative, and committed to peace and humanity, the minister emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing emerging global challenges.
The summit featured discussions across three main sessions focusing on the future of United Nations policing, innovation and emerging technologies in law enforcement, and enhanced international cooperation to tackle transnational security threats.
The event was attended by ministerial-level representatives from UN member states, along with senior officials from the United Nations Departments of Peace Operations, Operational Support, and Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.
