A senior law enforcement and research professional with nearly two decades of experience in counterterrorism, UN peacekeeping, strategic intelligence, diplomatic security, human rights, and police leadership, and an alumna of the prestigious Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship at the University of Minnesota. Research interests and professional expertise span counterterrorism, law enforcement, UN Police effectiveness, and strategic intelligence in peacekeeping operations, with a commitment to advancing international peace and public safety.
Experienced Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow with a demonstrated history of working in the international affairs and human rights. Skilled in Public Safety Leadership, Human Rights, Crisis Management, Intelligence Analysis, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, and Global Human Resources Management. Strong research professional with a Humphrey School of Public Affairs focused in Leadership and Human Rights from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Profile
I am a Superintendent of Police with nearly two decades of experience across counterterrorism, UN peacekeeping mission management, diplomatic security, human rights protection, Artificial Intelligence and senior police leadership in Bangladesh and internationally.
At the UN Secretariat in New York, I served as Mission Manager for five active peacekeeping operations — UNMISS, UNSOM, UNIFIL, UNMHA, and UNAMID — advising the Police Division on mandate implementation, election security, and transition planning in complex conflict environments. In South Sudan, I worked on civilian protection, monitored human rights violations, and helped capacitate local police to address sexual and gender-based violence.
In Bangladesh, I have led counterterrorism and deradicalization operations, managed diplomatic and VIP security at the national level, planned election security for the 2024 national elections, and supervised multi-district police forces. I have also worked to reduce gender-based discrimination within Bangladesh Police and mentored junior officers across ranks.
I hold an MBA, an MS in Applied Mathematics from the University of Dhaka, and completed the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship at the University of Minnesota — a U.S. Department of State leadership program. I am currently conducting research on law enforcement, counter-terrorism, UNPOL effectiveness and strategic intelligence in peacekeeping operations.
I am a member of the International Association of Women Police, with a professional network spanning law enforcement leaders worldwide. My long-term goal is to contribute to international public safety, peacekeeping policy, and law enforcement capacity-building.
I am a Superintendent of Police with nearly two decades of experience across counterterrorism, UN peacekeeping mission management, diplomatic security, human rights protection, Artificial Intelligence and senior police leadership in Bangladesh and internationally. At the UN Secretariat in New York, I served as Mission Manager for five active peacekeeping operations UNMISS, UNSOM, UNIFIL, UNMHA, and UNAMID advising the Police Division on mandate implementation, election security, and transition planning in complex conflict environments. In South Sudan, I worked on civilian protection, monitored human rights violations, and helped capacitate local police to address sexual and gender-based violence. In Bangladesh, I have led counterterrorism and deradicalization operations, managed diplomatic and VIP security at the national level, planned election security for the 2024 national elections, and supervised multi-district police forces. I have also worked to reduce gender-based discrimination within Bangladesh Police and mentored junior officers across ranks. I hold an MBA, an MS in Applied Mathematics from the University of Dhaka, and completed the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship at the University of Minnesota a U.S. Department of State leadership program. I am currently conducting research on law enforcement, Counter-terrorism, UNPOL effectiveness and strategic intelligence in peacekeeping operations. I am a member of the International Association of Women Police, with a professional network spanning law enforcement leaders worldwide. My long-term goal is to contribute to international public safety, peacekeeping policy, and law enforcement capacity-building.
Ms. Afifa has over 19 years of experience working in law enforcement with the Bangladesh Police. She currently serves as the Additional Deputy Commissioner for the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. In this position she is responsible for coordinating the activities of various divisions, criminal investigations and code enforcement, overseeing performance of the department, development and training, and ensuring observance of human rights standards in police work. In 2013 she led the Bangladesh Police UNPOL team in South Sudan as the Deputy Contingent Commander and was responsible for the Protection of Civilian duty, investigating violations of human rights, and providing humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons. Ms. Afifa was awarded the United Nations Medal in 2015 in recognition of her contribution to the Protection of Civilians during that mission. She has worked as a detective on high-profile cases concerning domestic and international terrorism and countering violent extremism.
Ms. Afifa earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and a Master of Science in applied mathematics from the University of Dhaka. During her Humphrey Fellowship she plans to focus on law and human rights, specifically on the processes by which U.S. police departments seek to protect human rights.
My Work
I work at the intersection of public safety, strategic security planning, counterterrorism, human rights, and international peace operations. My role goes far beyond enforcement — it is about anticipation, coordination, protection, and long-term stability.
I design and oversee high-level security plans for:
This includes threat assessment, risk mapping, force deployment, daily security planning, and immediate crisis response. I ensure that operations are not reactive, but structured and intelligence-driven.
In counterterrorism operations, I have:
Counterterrorism, for me, is not just enforcement. It involves prevention, intelligence coordination, and long-term resilience building.
In diplomatic security roles, I:
This required constant communication with government bodies, foreign missions, and law enforcement agencies.
At the United Nations (UNMISS and UN Headquarters), I:
My focus was protecting vulnerable populations, strengthening institutional capacity, and supporting peace agreements through structured policing frameworks.
A significant part of my work involves:
Public safety must include dignity, protection, and equal access to justice.
I have managed large-scale personnel systems involving tens of thousands of officers. My responsibilities include:
I believe strong institutions create sustainable security.
My current research focuses on:
My work bridges field experience with academic research to influence policy and reform.
I work at the intersection of public safety, strategic security planning, counterterrorism, human rights, and international peace operations. My role goes far beyond enforcement. It is about anticipation, coordination, protection, and long-term stability.
National and local elections
Prime Minister and VIP visits
Diplomatic zones and embassies
Key point installations and sensitive locations
This includes threat assessment, risk mapping, force deployment, daily security planning, and immediate crisis response. I ensure that operations are not reactive, but structured and intelligence-driven.
Planned high-risk counterterrorism operations
Assessed operational threats before deployment
Implemented both hard and soft counter-extremism strategies
Evaluated deradicalization initiatives through community engagement
Counterterrorism, for me, is not just enforcement. It involves prevention, intelligence coordination, and long-term resilience building.
Developed daily security strategies for embassies and high commissions
Coordinated with international missions and stakeholders
Managed crisis response in high-risk diplomatic environments
This required constant communication with government bodies, foreign missions, and law enforcement agencies.
Managed police components across multiple missions
Advised on election security and peace transition planning
Supported protection of civilians in conflict zones
Evaluated police response during COVID-19
Investigating gender-based violence
Protecting internally displaced persons
Supporting third gender and vulnerable communities
Strengthening women’s leadership in policing
Monitoring human rights compliance in operations
Public safety must include dignity, protection, and equal access to justice.
Human resource strategy and deployment
Career development and performance management
Training design and delivery
Policy formulation
Organizational accountability and documentation
I believe strong institutions create sustainable security.
Climate migration and gendered vulnerabilities
Female criminality and socio-economic determinants
Workplace protection for women
UN policing strategy and resilience in peace operations
My work bridges field experience with academic research to influence policy and reform.
Academic Background
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Savar, Dhaka
Sardah, Rajshahi
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Professional Journey
2008 – 2024 11 senior appointments Bangladesh Police & United Nations
Gopalganj District · Bangladesh Police
Counter Terrorism & Transnational Crime (CTTC) · Dhaka Metropolitan Police
Diplomatic Security Division · Dhaka Metropolitan Police
United Nations Secretariat, Police Division (DPO) · New York
Headquarters Division · Dhaka Metropolitan Police
Headquarters Division · Dhaka Metropolitan Police
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
Personnel Management Division · Police Headquarters
Detective Branch · Dhaka Metropolitan Police
Women Investigation & Victim Support Division · Dhaka Metropolitan Police
City Special Branch · Dhaka Metropolitan Police
Recognition
A distinguished career in the Bangladesh Police and United Nations Peacekeeping, recognized nationally and internationally for exemplary service, leadership, and pioneering achievement.
2023
Government of Bangladesh Feb 2024
Bangladesh Police
President Police Medal (PPM) for distinguished service in Bangladesh Police.
2021
United Nations Aug 2021
United Nations
Awarded by the Secretary General for my contribution in Peacekeeping Operations at United Nations Secretariat, NY, USA.
2018
Bangladesh Police Jan 2018
Dhaka Metropolitan Police
Inspector General of Police's Exemplary Good Services Badge for distinguished service in Bangladesh Police.
2016
Bangladesh Police Mar 2016
United Nations Mission In South Sudan (UNMISS)
Bangladesh Women Police Award in Peacekeeping Mission Special Honor category by Bangladesh Police Women Network (BPWN).
2016
Bangladesh Police Jan 2016
Dhaka Metropolitan Police
Inspector General of Police's Exemplary Good Services Badge for distinguished service in Bangladesh Police.
2015
United Nations Apr 2015
United Nations Mission In South Sudan (UNMISS)
Achieved this Medal from United Nations for my service in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan (2014–2015).
2013
International Association of Women Police Sep 2013
Dhaka Metropolitan Police
Achieved the Excellence in Performance Award by the International Association of Women Police in the Investigation category at its 51st Annual Training Conference, Durban, South Africa (Sep 22–26, 2013). First woman police officer in South Asia to receive this award.
Executive Profile
Two decades of senior command across national law enforcement and international peace operations — leading people, strategy, and institutions under high-stakes conditions.
Lead large-scale law enforcement structures at district, metropolitan, and international levels. Direct security planning for national elections, VIP movements, diplomatic zones, and high-risk environments while ensuring operational readiness and institutional accountability.
Make time-sensitive decisions in volatile environments involving terrorism threats, political unrest, conflict settings, and crisis situations. Balance operational effectiveness with human rights compliance and legal frameworks.
Develop and oversee integrated counterterrorism strategies combining intelligence operations, preventive frameworks, and community-based deradicalization initiatives. Guide multi-agency coordination for complex security operations.
Managed police components within United Nations peacekeeping missions and advised senior UN leadership on mandate implementation, election security, protection of civilians, and mission transition strategies. Operated in cross-cultural, multi-stakeholder environments at the global level.
Directed personnel strategy for large-scale forces, including deployment planning, performance management, policy formulation, and career development systems. Strengthened institutional efficiency through structured documentation and accountability frameworks.
Advanced gender-responsive policing models, strengthened protection mechanisms for vulnerable populations, and integrated human rights compliance into operational decision-making. Mentored and empowered women officers in leadership pathways.
Engage in policy-focused research on climate migration, gendered vulnerabilities, and security governance. Align field experience with academic analysis to support evidence-based institutional reform and long-term resilience planning.
Field Notes & Publications
Peacekeeping & UN Missions Quaerat omnis velit quasi qui At iste quis suscipit voluptatum. dolor optio Sint et quia minima voluptatum voluptate Ad eum...
Counterterrorism & Deradicalization Officia accusantium corrupti qui debitis temporibus sit sapiente nostrum. Quibusdam quidem dicta numquam voluptatem consequatur pariatur. In at voluptate nesciunt...
Leadership & Command Adipisci sit id porro eum. Et excepturi deleniti sed voluptas sint nemo dolorum explicabo. Eos eligendi beatae et rerum molestiae...
Human Rights & Protection Laboriosam sint nihil accusantium error quia repellat minima. Recusandae velit repellendus excepturi Molestiae optio omnis et doloremque. iste illo in...
Counterterrorism & Deradicalization Consequatur aut voluptate vitae rem id nulla. Quia blanditiis illo sed eos voluptate Aliquid qui qui sapiente iure aut etDoloremque...
Human Rights & Protection Eaque est id labore placeat. Iusto et iusto enim ea et omnis Officiis dolores suscipit soluta officia recusandae est. vel...
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