The government has launched a major security overhaul inside the Bangladesh Secretariat, transferring 169 police personnel and introducing AI-based surveillance systems amid concerns over the prime minister’s security and the possible leakage of sensitive state information from the country’s highest administrative center.
The sweeping reshuffle, initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, affects police members responsible for gate security, ministry protection duties and armed bodyguard assignments for senior officials inside the Secretariat.
Officials said lists of personnel assigned as gunmen and gate security for top government officials have already been finalized and sent to Police Headquarters and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner for implementation.
According to ministry officials, the decision was taken as part of a broader effort to tighten security around the Secretariat, where the prime minister’s office and several key ministries operate.
Authorities are also planning to install AI-powered surveillance cameras at 99 locations across the Secretariat complex along with advanced baggage scanners, archways and modern drug and weapon detection systems at four major entry gates.
Md Jashim Uddin, joint secretary of the Home Ministry, confirmed that at least 169 police members appointed before August 5, 2024 were being transferred simultaneously.
He said many were identified over allegations of irregularities, negligence or inefficiency, though the move also forms part of a wider modernization and rotation policy.
“No one is supposed to remain in the same place for five to six years or more,” he said, adding that there would be “no scope for recommendations or favoritism” in the process.
The Bangladesh Secretariat is guarded by a specialized police unit under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police responsible for internal and external security, gate management and VIP movement.
In special situations, SWAT teams and members of Border Guard Bangladesh are also deployed.
Under state protocol, ministers, judges, MPs, armed forces chiefs and senior secretaries are automatically entitled to armed security personnel or gunmen.
Sources familiar with the reshuffle said the details of officers selected for transfer have already been forwarded through Police Headquarters to the inspector general of police and DMP commissioner for final action.
Service records and joining dates are currently under review before the transfers are formally completed.
The move has reportedly triggered lobbying efforts inside the Home Ministry, with some police personnel seeking support from senior officials and political figures to avoid reassignment.
Security analysts say long postings inside sensitive government installations can create security vulnerabilities by allowing personnel to develop informal relationships or connections with outside interest groups.
Retired Lieutenant General Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman said periodic reshuffling inside high-security state institutions is a common international practice.
However, he cautioned against indiscriminate transfers based solely on duration of service.
“Each member’s service record, professional competence, discipline and past performance should be evaluated individually,” he said, warning that blanket transfers could unfairly affect capable and experienced officers.
Ministry sources said future appointments inside the Secretariat would prioritize personnel with security clearance and strong professional records, particularly because of the prime minister’s regular presence inside Building No 1 of the complex.
Officials indicated that further changes could soon affect constables, nayeks, assistant sub-inspectors, sub-inspectors and inspectors assigned to Secretariat security duties.
Some officers currently working inside the Secretariat privately questioned aspects of the move, arguing that many transferred members had remained politically neutral and were not involved in controversial field operations.
One sub-inspector, speaking anonymously, said many competent and honest officers risked suffering because of the actions of only a small number of personnel.