Staff Correspondent
Recently, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, in collaboration with Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies,
launched a comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Threat Finance (AML/CTF) training
program at the Police Staff College. This initiative, led by the U.S. Secret Service and funded by the U.S.
Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism, aims to enhance the investigative and technical
capabilities of Bangladeshi officials in combating financial and cyber crimes.
The inauguration ceremony included 60 law enforcement officials from 11 Bangladeshi agencies,
marking the commencement of a year-long training initiative that integrates formal seminars, online
training, and practical investigative exercises.
“The United States and Bangladesh face common challenges from transnational criminal networks that
operate across borders,” stated Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Megan Bouldin. “Through our joint efforts, we can
disrupt these networks and foster a safer, more secure environment for our citizens.”
In her remarks, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Bouldin underscored the significance of bilateral cooperation in
addressing these multifaceted threats, which encompass financial crimes, human trafficking, and
terrorism.
The year-long training will cover critical techniques for financial investigations, including open-source
intelligence and cryptocurrency tracing, equipping Bangladeshi law enforcement officials with
international standards for evidence gathering and case presentation.
This program reaffirms the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to bolstering Bangladesh’s capacity to counter
financial crime and cybercrime, thereby promoting a safer Indo-Pacific region and a more secure global
financial system.
Since 2011, the U.S. Embassy has supported the training of over 25,000 Bangladeshi police and
approximately 250 officials of other law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh, focusing on crime scene
management, countering violent extremism, leadership, and human rights. This includes specialized
sessions on topics like virtual currency investigations and social media strategy, with additional
international training opportunities through programs like the International Association of Chiefs of
Police Conference and Women’s Leadership Institute.
The U.S. assistance has strengthened Bangladesh’s capacity in law enforcement and corrections,
promoting professional development and enhanced security practices across the country.
