The government has provided armed security to 20 individuals, including six leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP), following applications citing security concerns.
Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed the move on Monday while briefing reporters after a meeting of the law and order-related committee at the Secretariat.
He said there is no overall security threat in the country at present, but based on applications received, gunmen have been provided to 20 individuals facing security risks.
These include six leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP), as well as the editors of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
According to the sources, government has taken the steps to ensure the personal security of individuals associated with the July–August mass uprising, including key activists, coordinators, parliamentary aspirants and senior leaders of various political parties.
As part of the initiative, several frontline figures of the movement have been provided with armed security guards, while the process of issuing personal firearm licences for self-defence is also underway.
Police sources said those receiving gunmen, include NCP Convener and former adviser Nahid Islam, Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Coordinator (Southern region) Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Coordinator (Northern region) Sarjis Alam, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, and Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Jara.
Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur and General Secretary Md Rashed Khan are also among those provided armed guards. The list also includes Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman,The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam.
Several other political leaders and parliamentary aspirants have applied for gunmen and firearm licences. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has requested round-the-clock gunman protection and armed police at his residence. Similar requests have been made for Jatiya Party Chairman Anwar Hossain Manju, Barrister Andalib Rahman Partho, LDP President Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed, Ganosamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh Secretary General Yunus Ahmed Sheikh.
Special security arrangements have also been extended to the family of Shaheed Osman Hadi, a prominent figure in the anti-fascism and anti-hegemony movement. One of his sisters has been provided with a firearm licence and gunman, while other family members will receive round-the-clock police protection, according to senior officials of the Home Ministry and police.
Home Ministry sources said that applications for security or firearm licences have so far been received from at least 15 politicians, and the number continues to rise. Around 25 government officials have also applied for firearm licences.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said armed guards have been deployed for individuals assessed as highly vulnerable, while those facing lower levels of threat have been advised on safe movement and communication practices.
A senior police official said security arrangements are being made based on intelligence inputs. Lists of key individuals facing potential threats have been prepared and prioritised accordingly, he said, adding that while many applicants have sought gunmen and firearms, the approval of weapons depends on decisions by the Home Ministry and the district administration.
He said the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and the Special Branch have also begun assigning gunmen, but manpower constraints mean not all requests can be met. “Those facing credible threats are being given priority,” the official said.
The official also noted logistical challenges in providing gunmen to some individuals, as many are students or use public transport. Authorities, he said, are reviewing possible solutions to address these challenges.
