Our correspondent: The Emergency Response Program (ERP) of Caritas Bangladesh (CB), funded by CCODP in partnership with Global Affairs of Canada (GAC), organized a day-long training titled “Strengthening the Capacity of Law Enforcement Agency on Responding to Gender-based Violence (GBV)” at Hotel Long Beach, Cox’s Bazar. The training was attended by 40 participants and was conducted from 8:50 AM to 5:00 PM. The participants included law enforcement personnel, particularly APBN members working in the FDMN camps.

The program was attended by key personnel, including Dr. MD. AL-MAMUNUL ANSARY, DIG OPS and FDMN, APBN Cox’s Bazar, as the Chief Guest; Mr. Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan, Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (Deputy Secretary), RRRC Office, Cox’s Bazar, as the Special Guest; Mr. Md. Aftabuzzaman Al Imran, Senior Assistant Secretary; and Mr. Liton Gomes, Project Director, Emergency Response Program (ERP), Caritas Bangladesh, along with other facilitators and resource persons.

The main objective of the training was to participants will be able to understand the current GBV context in Cox’s Bazar, identify key forms, causes and consequences of GBV, apply survivor-centred principles when responding to GBV incidents, understand the specific role of APBN in protection coordination, and effectively utilize referral pathways while coordinating with GBVSS, MHPSS, Protection, and Child Protection actors. The training also focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of sex and gender, basic concepts of GBV, GBV tree analysis, myths and facts related to GBV, the role of APBN members, and stress management and self-care.

The program began with a Welcome and Introduction Speech delivered by Mr. Liton Gomes, Project Director, Emergency Response Program (ERP), Caritas Bangladesh. He welcomed the guests, facilitators, resource persons and participants and highlighted the importance of the training.

Mr. Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan, Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (Deputy Secretary), RRRC Office, Cox’s Bazar, delivered the Speech from the Special Guest. He addressed the participants and highlighted the importance of the initiative and effective coordination in responding to gender-based violence. He expressed that Every month, I receive reports concerning incidents of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), many of which occur at night. However, punishment alone is not the only solution. You are also requested to provide counselling and support to the people affected. You can do this because you are the people closest to the Rohingya community, as you remain with them and interact with them for nearly 24 hours a day. Therefore, you are in a unique position to identify concerns at an early stage, provide initial counselling, and help prevent incidents of gender-based violence. I urge you to use the knowledge gained from this training to strengthen your response and support the community more effectively.
Dr. MD. AL-MAMUNUL ANSARY, DIG OPS and FDMN, APBN Cox’s Bazar, inaugurated the training program and delivered the speech of the Chief Guest. In his speech, he addressed the topic of this training is most tending session for FDMNs camp. You are participant in the training and learned from this. He also requested Caritas Bangladesh to arrange similar training sessions for newly recruited APBN personnel who have recently joined the force. He expressed his expectation that collaboration and cooperation between APBN and Caritas Bangladesh would be further strengthened and emphasized the importance of working together to respond more effectively to the needs of the FDMN community. He also facilitated a session on “Protection of Women and Children and the Role of APBN Personnel in FDMN Camps.

The training covered several key topics related to protection and gender-based violence (GBV). The sessions focused on the Protection Program, the purpose and objectives of the training, the concepts of sex and gender, and the basic concepts of GBV. Participants also engaged in GBV Tree Analysis and Myth vs. Fact Analysis to strengthen their understanding of the causes, misconceptions, and impacts of GBV. A dedicated session focused on the role and responsibilities of APBN members in responding to protection concerns and GBV. The training also addressed stress management and self-care to support the well-being of law enforcement personnel working in challenging environments.

The training concluded with a Closing Session conducted by Mr. Liton Gomes, Project Director, Emergency Response Program (ERP), Caritas Bangladesh. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between Caritas Bangladesh and the Government of Bangladesh in strengthening efforts to prevent and respond to violence across the country. He also expressed sincere appreciation to all participants for their active participation and valuable contributions throughout the training.
Overall, the training provided a structured platform for the participating law enforcement personnel to enhance their knowledge and understanding of gender, GBV, protection of women and children, the role of APBN personnel, and stress management and self-care. The training contributed to strengthening participants’ capacity to respond appropriately and effectively to gender-based violence and protection concerns in the FDMN camps.