Vital Infrastructure Security
US experts provide anti-terrorism training
A 10-day Vital Infrastructure Security training course, held by the US government through the state department's Anti-terrorism Assistance Program and the US embassy's Regional Security Office, concluded in Dhaka on July 12.
The training, offered by the state department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security and taught by US instructors, took place at Police Staff College, says a press release.
Officers from Special Branch, Armed Police Battalion, Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Works Department, Special Security Force, Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate, and National Parliament participated in the training.
“The program's courses are just one of many avenues we can use to fight terrorism together and protect the interests of Bangladesh, the US and the entire region,” said David J Koczot, regional security officer at the US Embassy in Dhaka.
He said, “A nation's vital infrastructure is the framework of networks and systems that provide a reliable flow of products and services essential to the defense and economic security of the nation.
“The US believes that through this training, participants learned the strategies to protect their vital infrastructure, which will help ensure the smooth function of government at all levels and society in the event of a terrorist incident.”
The participants learned how to recognise the components of a physical protection system, identify vital infrastructure, characterise vital infrastructure, identify and prioritise assets, develop design basis threat statements and identify security countermeasures.
They also learned to conduct a security inspection validation, manage critical incidents, perform threat/risk/vulnerability analyses, and develop recommendations for implementing improvements to existing physical protection systems based on gap analysis.
The training also included limited scope performance testing, cost benefit analysis, feasibility, and acceptability.
Through lectures, large and small group discussions, demonstrations and small group activities, participants learned how to use a systematic process for securing vital infrastructure against the threat of terrorism.
The embassy, in partnership with Bangladesh Police, plans to offer the training programme several more times throughout the year.
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