Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said the government has strengthened security in Dhaka’s Diplomatic Area, including the US Embassy, in view of the prevailing global situation.
He made the remarks during a courtesy call by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen at his office at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Bangladesh Secretariat this morning.
The minister said authorities have reinforced security by deploying Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) alongside regular police forces in the Diplomatic Area. Law enforcement agencies have also received instructions to remain on high alert and take necessary precautionary measures.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest. These included law and order, security cooperation, prevention of illegal migration, counter-terrorism efforts, the Special Programme for Embassy Augmentation and Response (SPEAR), and the implementation of Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV).
Welcoming the ambassador, Salahuddin Ahmed described the United States as a close ally of Bangladesh. He said the US has remained a steadfast partner in security and counter-terrorism initiatives since the beginning. Ambassador Christensen said Washington is keen to further strengthen bilateral relations with Dhaka.
The ambassador stressed the importance of implementing the SPEAR programme to enhance security for the US Embassy and the entire Diplomatic Area. He underscored the need for swift signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), noting that delays could divert dedicated US funding elsewhere.
The minister assured that the government would move forward with quick implementation following approval from the highest levels. The ambassador also congratulated Salahuddin Ahmed on assuming his new portfolio.
On illegal migration, the ambassador said the United States intends to introduce the Electronic Nationality Verification programme in Bangladesh. Successful implementation would place Bangladesh in the “Green Zone” under US immigration procedures.
Ambassador Christensen also noted that since 2010 the United States has trained around 30,000 Bangladesh Police officials, from investigating officers to Deputy Inspectors General, and provided necessary equipment to strengthen counter-terrorism capacity. He said retirements and transfers of trained personnel have limited the programme’s long-term impact.
The minister said the government would take necessary steps to address the issue and directed ministry officials to arrange a meeting or workshop with relevant stakeholders.
Joint Secretary of the Political-1 Branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs Rebeka Khan attended the meeting. Political and Economic Counsellor of the US Embassy Eric Geelan, Political Officer Shane Sanders, Political Specialist Tanik Munir, and Political Officer Riley Palmertree were also present, among others.
