The U.S. Secret Service has initiated anti-money laundering training for law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh

**DHAKA, Nov 10, 2024 (BSS)** – The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, in collaboration with Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies, has launched an extensive Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Threat Finance (AML/CTF) training program at the Police Staff College.

Led by the U.S. Secret Service and funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Counterterrorism, this initiative is designed to strengthen the investigative and technical expertise of Bangladeshi officials in tackling financial and cyber crimes.

The inauguration ceremony brought together 60 law enforcement officials from 11 different Bangladeshi agencies, marking the start of a year-long training program. The program combines formal seminars, online courses, and practical investigative exercises, according to a press release from the U.S. Embassy.

"In facing challenges posed by transnational criminal networks that cross borders, the United States and Bangladesh stand together," remarked U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Megan Bouldin at the program's launch.

She emphasized that joint efforts will help dismantle these networks, fostering a safer and more secure environment for citizens. 

The Chargé d'Affaires highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation in countering complex threats such as financial crimes, human trafficking, and terrorism.

This year-long training will equip Bangladeshi law enforcement with essential financial investigation skills, covering areas such as open-source intelligence and cryptocurrency tracing, and aligning their practices with international standards for evidence collection and case preparation.

The program reaffirms the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to enhancing Bangladesh’s capabilities in addressing financial and cybercrime, supporting a safer Indo-Pacific region and a secure global financial system.

Since 2011, the U.S. Embassy has facilitated training for over 25,000 Bangladeshi police officers and approximately 250 other law enforcement officials, focusing on areas like crime scene management, countering violent extremism, leadership, and human rights.

This support includes specialized sessions on topics such as virtual currency investigations and social media strategy, along with international training opportunities through programs like the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference and the Women's Leadership Institute.

The embassy noted that this assistance has bolstered Bangladesh’s law enforcement and corrections capabilities, fostering professional development and stronger security practices nationwide.