Bangladesh, Pakistan sign MoU to combat drug trafficking

Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Dhaka on May 8-9. During his visit to Dhaka, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Bangladesh and Pakistan to strengthen cooperation in combating drug trafficking, drug abuse and drug control.
Pakistan has termed the MoU as historic. Pakistan’s Interior Ministry said in a statement that Pakistan’s Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed in Dhaka.
A historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Pakistan and Bangladesh to strengthen cooperation in combating drug trafficking, drug abuse and drug control. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi signed the agreement on behalf of the Pakistani government and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on behalf of the Bangladesh government. Under the MoU, both countries will cooperate extensively in preventing the illegal transportation and smuggling of drugs. Joint efforts will be made to eradicate the growing trend of drug addiction in the society and its harmful effects. A coordinated strategy will also be formulated to dismantle the illegal drug supply chain and trafficking network.
The relevant agencies of both countries will exchange timely intelligence on drug trafficking and criminal networks. This cooperation will also include training of personnel, use of modern technology and exchange of best practices for drug prevention and enforcement. The Home Ministers of the two countries agreed to form a Secretary-level Joint Working Group between the Home Ministries of the two countries. Pakistani Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi offered full cooperation to Bangladesh in the ‘Safe City’ project and said that Pakistan will support the Bangladesh government in this initiative in all possible ways.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of internal security and training of civilian armed forces. Strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts and prevention of human trafficking were also discussed. The two Home Ministers exchanged views on joint counter-terrorism measures. They also discussed enhancing cooperation in combating cybercrime, organized crime and financial fraud and cooperation in the Police Academy training program for officers. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi invited his Bangladeshi counterpart to visit Pakistan. The Bangladeshi counterpart thanked Mohsin Naqvi for offering cooperation in the ‘Safe City’ project.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh said that various issues of mutual interest between the two countries, especially regional security and capacity building of law enforcement agencies, were discussed in detail during the meeting. The ministers of both countries emphasized the common interests in addressing regional security challenges. The two countries agreed to enhance coordination and judicial cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
The importance of intelligence sharing in preventing human trafficking and illegal migrant smuggling and joint efforts to crack down on smuggling rings was emphasized. In addition, discussions were held on enhancing the protection of victims of trafficking and awareness programs.
The importance of the ‘Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters’ agreement was highlighted for the purpose of expeditious exchange of information and evidence in criminal investigations. This will further strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the fight against cross-border crime. In addition, effective extradition mechanisms were discussed in various fields, including terrorism and financial crimes, so that criminals cannot escape justice by fleeing from one country to another.
It has been proposed to expand the scope of training on modern policing and criminal investigation to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies. The two ministers emphasized the need to create a secure communication system for intelligence sharing, especially in combating cybercrime and committed crimes. The Home Minister called for increased international support for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas. The meeting discussed that Pakistan can play a role in enhancing constructive international engagement with Myanmar in this regard.
Pakistan has proposed a draft agreement to combat terrorism, drug trafficking, smuggling and fraud. Bangladesh is currently reviewing the draft in light of the decisions of the inter-ministerial meeting held on October 27. The meeting also discussed the current status of the document sent to the Law Ministry for its opinion on the release of three Pakistani prisoners on the recommendation of the Home Ministry. The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Manzoor Morshed Chowdhury, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider and senior officials of the two countries.