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Proposal for Establishing a Forensic Sciences Laboratory Network and a Specialized Forensic Sciences University in Bangladesh

Proposal for Establishing a Forensic Sciences Laboratory Network and a Specialized Forensic Sciences University in Bangladesh

Short-Term and Long-Term Strategic Plan

(A Policy Proposal for the Government and Political Parties of Bangladesh)

Proposed by:

Md Meraz Hossain
PhD Scholar in Forensic Psychology
National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), India

Founder & Managing Director
Bangladesh Institute of Forensic Psychology & Sciences (BIFPS Consultancy Ltd.)

Executive Summary

The Bangladesh Institute of Forensic Psychology & Sciences (BIFPS) has prepared this proposal to strengthen Bangladesh's criminal justice system through the systematic development of forensic science infrastructure.

The proposal is based on two strategic pillars:

  1. Establishing a National Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Network across Bangladesh.
  2. Establishing a Specialized Forensic Sciences University to develop highly qualified forensic professionals.

This proposal emphasizes close collaboration with the Bangladesh Police and other law enforcement agencies so that forensic science becomes a strong scientific support system for criminal investigations and justice administration.

1. Why Forensic Science is Essential for Bangladesh

Forensic science provides scientific methods that enable police and law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes more accurately, efficiently, and objectively.

It will:

  • Strengthen policing and criminal investigation.
  • Ensure reliable scientific evidence for courts.
  • Increase public confidence in the justice system.

Key Benefits

  • Rapid identification of offenders.
  • Scientific differentiation between guilty and innocent individuals.
  • Development of multidisciplinary forensic investigation teams.
  • Immediate deployment of forensic experts to crime scenes for evidence collection.
  • Higher conviction rates through scientific evidence.
  • International-standard forensic services.
  • Development of correction and rehabilitation support systems.
  • Crime prevention through intelligence-driven forensic analysis.
  • Opportunities for independent Second Opinion and Third Opinion forensic examinations by both government and accredited private institutions.
  • Faster resolution of pending criminal cases.
  • Advanced forensic technologies for cases with insufficient or degraded evidence.
  • Legal reforms aligned with international forensic standards.

BIFPS firmly believes that forensic science should function as a scientific force multiplier for the Bangladesh Police and all law enforcement agencies.

2. National Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Network

Objective

To provide scientific support in every criminal investigation, thereby improving the professionalism and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.

Proposed Structure

  • Central National Forensic Science Laboratory in Dhaka.
  • Regional laboratories in every divisional city.
  • Gradual expansion to district-level laboratories.

The laboratories should operate independently while maintaining close coordination with the Bangladesh Police and other law enforcement agencies.

Core Forensic Divisions

  • DNA Analysis
  • Fingerprint Examination
  • Digital Forensics
  • Cyber Forensics
  • Toxicology
  • Ballistics
  • Forensic Odontology
  • Questioned Document Examination
  • Forensic Psychology

Advanced Investigative Technologies

  • Layered Voice Analysis (LVA)
  • Polygraph Examination
  • Brain Mapping
  • AI and Machine Learning-Based Forensic Analysis

National Digital Infrastructure

  • National Crime Biometric Database (NCBD)
  • Crime Data Management System (CDMS)
  • Integration of the BIFPS Suspect Profiling Template into national crime databases.

Human resource development should precede infrastructure expansion to ensure sustainable quality from the beginning.

3. Specialized Forensic Sciences University

Proposed Name

Bangladesh Forensic Sciences University

Vision

To produce internationally competent forensic professionals and make Bangladesh self-reliant in forensic science.

Key Features

  • International-standard curriculum.
  • Research-oriented education.
  • International faculty recruitment.
  • Collaboration with leading global institutions.

Reference Institutions

  • National Forensic Sciences University (India)
  • John Jay College of Criminal Justice (USA)
  • Charles Sturt University (Australia)

Governance Principles

  • Merit-based leadership.
  • Professionally qualified administrators.
  • Academic independence.
  • Leadership with strong forensic backgrounds.

4. Short-Term Plan (6 Months – 3 Years)

A. Overseas Education and Training

  • Send talented students and police officers abroad for Master's and PhD programs in Applied Forensic Science.
  • Utilize the Government of India's ITEC Program for free professional training of law enforcement personnel.
  • Provide scholarships and competitive career opportunities.

 

B. Strengthening Law Enforcement

  • Upgrade CID forensic laboratories with modern equipment.
  • Establish Digital Forensic Teams in every district.
  • Introduce:
    • Layered Voice Analysis
    • Polygraph Examination
    • Brain Mapping
    • Body Language Analysis

for investigative purposes.

C. Developing Forensic Education

  • Introduce Bachelor's degree programs in Forensic Science at selected public and private universities.
  • Initially utilize existing CID laboratories for practical training.
  • Gradually establish fully equipped university forensic laboratories.
  • Recruit experienced international faculty.
  • Offer competitive salaries to qualified forensic professionals.

D. Legal and Institutional Reforms

  • Make forensic expert attendance mandatory at serious crime scenes.

An example is Section 176(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which requires forensic experts to visit crime scenes and collect forensic evidence for offences punishable by seven years or more, while video graphing the entire process.

Additional reforms include:

  • Police body cameras, Video-graphing
  • Expanded CCTV coverage.
  • Mandatory video recording of investigations.
  • Institutionalized Second Opinion and Third Opinion forensic reviews.
  • Consider greater public transparency of court proceedings through live broadcasting where legally appropriate.

E. Budget

Establish a dedicated National Forensic Development Budget.

F. Joint Capacity Building

Provide multidisciplinary forensic training for:

  • Police Officers
  • Medical Doctors
  • Judges
  • Prosecutors
  • Lawyers

G. Digital Forensic Workforce

  • Train Computer Science and IT graduates through intensive three-month programs.
  • Build district-level Digital Forensic Expert Teams.
  • Develop AI-based systems for image, video and deepfake verification and digital fact-checking.

H. Specialist Development

Recruit and train professionals from:

  • Biology
  • Medicine (MBBS)
  • Dentistry (BDS)
  • Chemistry
  • Psychology

Ensure attractive salary structures to retain qualified experts.

 5. Long-Term Plan (3–10 Years)

A. Nationwide Forensic Laboratory Network

Establish fully operational forensic laboratories in every district of Bangladesh.

B. Full-Scale Forensic Sciences University

Develop comprehensive academic programs, advanced research facilities, and international partnerships.

Recruit international faculty and maintain academic independence free from political interference.

Specialized Academic Programs

  • Forensic Science
  • Forensic Medicine
  • Forensic Dentistry
  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Forensic Biology
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Forensic Physics
  • Forensic Document Examination
  • Cyber Forensics
  • Digital Forensics
  • Forensic Accounting
  • Forensic Nursing
  • Forensic Entomology
  • Forensic Botany
  • Forensic Zoology
  • Forensic Geology
  • Forensic Engineering
  • Forensic Architecture

 

C. Integration with Law Enforcement

Position forensic science as a permanent scientific support system for all law enforcement agencies.

D. National Databases and Emerging Technologies

Expand biometric databases and incorporate advanced forensic technologies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning into criminal investigations.

E. Additional Strategic Initiatives

  • Promote collaboration between government and accredited private forensic experts.
  • Establish professional standards for forensic expert recruitment based on relevant academic qualifications and practical experience.
  • Increase public awareness of forensic science.
  • Strengthen international cooperation.

6. Expected Outcomes

Implementation of this proposal is expected to achieve:

  • Faster and more accurate criminal investigations.
  • Reduction in crime rates.
  • Increased conviction rates based on scientific evidence.
  • Stronger public confidence in the justice system.
  • Creation of highly skilled employment opportunities.
  • Development of a modern and internationally respected forensic ecosystem.
  • Reduction in mob violence through evidence-based investigations.
  • Decrease in repeat offences through improved forensic intelligence and rehabilitation support.
  • Recognition of Bangladesh as a regional leader in forensic science.

Conclusion and Call for Action

BIFPS is committed to working collaboratively with the Government of Bangladesh, political parties, the Bangladesh Police, and other law enforcement agencies to establish a modern forensic science ecosystem.

The proposed strategy prioritizes human resource development before infrastructure expansion to ensure long-term sustainability and international standards.

We respectfully urge the Government of Bangladesh and all political parties to recognize forensic science as a national priority and incorporate these recommendations into future policy frameworks, legislation, and national budgets.

BIFPS stands ready to provide technical expertise, professional consultation, training, and international collaboration throughout the implementation process.

We also call upon all stakeholders to work together to create a forensic-friendly institutional framework, promote public awareness, and strengthen Bangladesh's justice system through science.

Contact

Bangladesh Institute of Forensic Psychology & Sciences (BIFPS Consultancy Ltd.)

Phone: +8801988896656

Email: forensicbd.org@gmail.com

Website: https://forensicbd.org

Address:
1/85/C, 2nd Floor, Eastern Bonobithi Shopping Complex,
South Banasree, Khilgaon, Dhaka-1219, Bangladesh.

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