Bangladesh Defense
Saif
Senior Member
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Challenges and limitations
WHILE the integration of artificial intelligence into crime detection holds great potential for the Bangladesh police, its implementation is not without significant challenges and limitations.
One of the foremost challenges is the high cost of implementing AI systems. Establishing a robust AI-driven infrastructure requires not only cutting-edge technology and secure digital platforms but also a team of skilled professionals to operate and maintain these systems. The government must be prepared to invest substantial resources in developing AI-powered crime databases, smart surveillance networks and comprehensive training programmes for police officers to handle AI-based investigations efficiently.
Ethical and legal concerns also present a major obstacle to the widespread adoption of AI in policing. The deployment of surveillance tools and automated data analysis raises important questions related to individual privacy, data protection and civil liberties. In the absence of well-defined legal frameworks, there is a risk of unauthorised data collection and misuse of personal information. Additionally, AI algorithms used in predictive policing may inadvertently reinforce racial, ethnic or socioeconomic biases, leading to discrimination and mistrust within communities.
A further limitation is the current lack of AI expertise within law enforcement agencies. The Bangladesh police face a shortage of officers trained in AI, data science and cyber security.
Moreover, cyber security threats and concerns about data integrity cannot be overlooked. AI systems depend heavily on the secure collection, storage and processing of vast amounts of data. If police databases are compromised through hacking or data manipulation, it could not only derail sensitive investigations but also pose a serious threat to national security. Ensuring robust cyber security protocols and digital safeguards will be vital to protect AI-enabled systems from malicious interference.
To effectively harness artificial intelligence in crime detection and law enforcement, the police must adopt a structured, phased roadmap grounded in innovation, ethics and sustainability. This process should begin with a comprehensive, needs-based assessment tailored to Bangladesh’s crime patterns. Strategic priorities include launching pilot projects in high-crime and urban areas such as old Dhaka, Keraniganj and Chattogram. These pilots will help test predictive analytics, facial recognition and surveillance systems in real-world settings and generate evidence-based insights for scaling.
Simultaneously, AI-specific training should be embedded into existing police education frameworks.
Developing a robust AI infrastructure is foundational. Establishing AI-powered Crime Analysis Centres in major cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet will enable real-time crime monitoring, faster data-driven investigations and enhanced operational decision-making. These centres should be closely integrated with the National Crime Database for seamless data sharing and analytics.
Collaborations with domestic universities, international research institutions and tech firms will be key for technology transfer and capacity development. To ensure responsible and rights-based AI deployment, the government must institute strong regulatory frameworks and enforceable data protection laws. This includes the development of ethical guidelines, standard operating procedures, and human rights impact assessments specific to AI in policing.
Building public trust is central to the success of AI in policing. Civic participation — through engagement with civil society, legal experts, technologists and community leaders — is vital for developing a socially inclusive and accountable AI policy framework. Transparent communication, digital literacy campaigns, and community outreach will help clarify AI’s role, dispel fears and promote informed public dialogue.
Moreover, all AI deployments must be evaluated for algorithmic bias, disproportionate impact and community acceptance. Regular monitoring and evaluation should be institutionalised to ensure continual improvement.
Artificial intelligence holds the transformative potential to revolutionise crime detection and policing in Bangladesh by enhancing investigative capabilities, preventing crime and strengthening public safety. With strategic investments in technology, capacity-building, and legal safeguards, AI can support the development of a smarter, more efficient and proactive law enforcement system. However, the integration of AI must be approached with caution — guided by ethical principles, robust regulation and a strong commitment to protecting individual privacy and rights. AI is not inherently good or bad; it is a powerful tool whose impact depends entirely on how, where and for whom it is used. In the vision of a progressive, inclusive society, it must be harnessed as an instrument of empowerment, innovation and equity — ensuring that technological progress translates into real safety and justice for all citizens.
Md Motiar Rahman is a retired deputy inspector general of police.
WHILE the integration of artificial intelligence into crime detection holds great potential for the Bangladesh police, its implementation is not without significant challenges and limitations.
One of the foremost challenges is the high cost of implementing AI systems. Establishing a robust AI-driven infrastructure requires not only cutting-edge technology and secure digital platforms but also a team of skilled professionals to operate and maintain these systems. The government must be prepared to invest substantial resources in developing AI-powered crime databases, smart surveillance networks and comprehensive training programmes for police officers to handle AI-based investigations efficiently.
Ethical and legal concerns also present a major obstacle to the widespread adoption of AI in policing. The deployment of surveillance tools and automated data analysis raises important questions related to individual privacy, data protection and civil liberties. In the absence of well-defined legal frameworks, there is a risk of unauthorised data collection and misuse of personal information. Additionally, AI algorithms used in predictive policing may inadvertently reinforce racial, ethnic or socioeconomic biases, leading to discrimination and mistrust within communities.
A further limitation is the current lack of AI expertise within law enforcement agencies. The Bangladesh police face a shortage of officers trained in AI, data science and cyber security.
Moreover, cyber security threats and concerns about data integrity cannot be overlooked. AI systems depend heavily on the secure collection, storage and processing of vast amounts of data. If police databases are compromised through hacking or data manipulation, it could not only derail sensitive investigations but also pose a serious threat to national security. Ensuring robust cyber security protocols and digital safeguards will be vital to protect AI-enabled systems from malicious interference.
To effectively harness artificial intelligence in crime detection and law enforcement, the police must adopt a structured, phased roadmap grounded in innovation, ethics and sustainability. This process should begin with a comprehensive, needs-based assessment tailored to Bangladesh’s crime patterns. Strategic priorities include launching pilot projects in high-crime and urban areas such as old Dhaka, Keraniganj and Chattogram. These pilots will help test predictive analytics, facial recognition and surveillance systems in real-world settings and generate evidence-based insights for scaling.
Simultaneously, AI-specific training should be embedded into existing police education frameworks.
Developing a robust AI infrastructure is foundational. Establishing AI-powered Crime Analysis Centres in major cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet will enable real-time crime monitoring, faster data-driven investigations and enhanced operational decision-making. These centres should be closely integrated with the National Crime Database for seamless data sharing and analytics.
Collaborations with domestic universities, international research institutions and tech firms will be key for technology transfer and capacity development. To ensure responsible and rights-based AI deployment, the government must institute strong regulatory frameworks and enforceable data protection laws. This includes the development of ethical guidelines, standard operating procedures, and human rights impact assessments specific to AI in policing.
Building public trust is central to the success of AI in policing. Civic participation — through engagement with civil society, legal experts, technologists and community leaders — is vital for developing a socially inclusive and accountable AI policy framework. Transparent communication, digital literacy campaigns, and community outreach will help clarify AI’s role, dispel fears and promote informed public dialogue.
Moreover, all AI deployments must be evaluated for algorithmic bias, disproportionate impact and community acceptance. Regular monitoring and evaluation should be institutionalised to ensure continual improvement.
Artificial intelligence holds the transformative potential to revolutionise crime detection and policing in Bangladesh by enhancing investigative capabilities, preventing crime and strengthening public safety. With strategic investments in technology, capacity-building, and legal safeguards, AI can support the development of a smarter, more efficient and proactive law enforcement system. However, the integration of AI must be approached with caution — guided by ethical principles, robust regulation and a strong commitment to protecting individual privacy and rights. AI is not inherently good or bad; it is a powerful tool whose impact depends entirely on how, where and for whom it is used. In the vision of a progressive, inclusive society, it must be harnessed as an instrument of empowerment, innovation and equity — ensuring that technological progress translates into real safety and justice for all citizens.
Md Motiar Rahman is a retired deputy inspector general of police.
