Newsletter Nov. 2024

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh conducted a workshop on Medicolegal Death Investigation (MLDI) in collaboration with Vital Strategies on 14th November 2024 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The primary objectives of the workshop were to raise awareness about MLDI in the country, assess the current state of the system, and explore ways to improve it. A key focus was building a strong connection between MLDI and the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders involved. 

The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including forensic experts, healthcare professionals, legal practitioners, and policymakers. Notably, representatives from the Office of the Registrar General (ORG), the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Development partners such as Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank also contributed. GHAI presented an overview of the legal framework on MLDI, while international expert Rangana Wadugedara, presented the overview of MLDI and valuable insights of the case study of Sri Lanka MLDI system. Ms. Olga Joos, an international expert and board member of the International Community of Practices on MLDI (ICOP), joined virtually to discuss how Bangladesh could join the ICOP community and benefit from its support. 

By the end of the workshop, all stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working together to enhance the MLDI system. There was a shared understanding of the need for ongoing dialogue, capacity building, and knowledge sharing to tackle the existing challenges. The workshop set the groundwork for future collaboration, with a focus on implementing best practices and strengthening the legal and institutional frameworks needed for a more integrated and effective MLDI system in Bangladesh.