Bangladesh police ready to tackle Haiti's security challenges, Home Minister tells UN

Bangladesh Police has completed preparations to deploy three specialized units to help address the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told United Nations officials.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the home minister is currently in New York to attend the fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS).

During a meeting on Monday (July 7) with Atul Khare, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for the Department of Operational Support (DOS), the minister highlighted the readiness of the Bangladesh Police.

Salahuddin Ahmed informed the UN official that Bangladesh Police has finalized preparations to deploy three highly advanced and capable specialized police units to meet the complex security challenges arising from Haiti's ongoing instability.

He said the units possess expertise in SWAT operations, Rapid Response Platoons, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), forensic investigation and crime scene management, organized crime and cybercrime investigations, maritime operations, and counter-narcotics missions.

The ministry's statement said the home minister also presented several specific proposals to relevant UN departments to ensure the most effective utilization of Bangladesh's specialized capabilities in Haiti.

A three-member high-level delegation from Bangladesh Police is scheduled to visit the UN Headquarters from July 15 to 17 for detailed discussions on the matter. The minister expressed hope for the UN's full cooperation in making the discussions successful and in approving the inclusion of the proposed equipment.

Haiti's security situation has steadily deteriorated over the past decade. The country plunged into political instability, widespread gang violence, and a deep humanitarian crisis following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

Since 2024, a Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission has been assisting Haiti in restoring law and order, with Kenya leading the mission under UN support. Bangladesh, one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, is also serving in Haiti.

The ministry said discussions between the home minister and the UN under-secretary-general also covered operational support for Bangladeshi military and police contingents deployed in UN peacekeeping missions, financial reimbursements, environmental sustainability, the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and preparations for deploying Bangladesh's specialized police contingent to Haiti, along with other issues of mutual interest.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed is leading a five-member Bangladeshi delegation at the UN Chiefs of Police Summit. The delegation is scheduled to return home on July 12.