The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has withdrawn escort facilities for 18 members of the cabinet following a high-level government decision that took effect on 20 July.
Police escorts for the remaining six ministers and one adviser with ministerial rank will continue as before, according to sources concerned.
Previously, all full ministers were entitled to DMP police escorts.
Md Shahriar Alam, deputy commissioner of the DMP Protection Division, told UNB that 88 police personnel assigned to the security of the 18 ministers, along with the vehicles used for the duty, had been withdrawn in line with the government directive.
He said the decision would ease pressure on the DMP’s manpower and vehicle fleet, allowing the redeployed personnel and vehicles to be used for other urgent security and protection duties.
According to the DMP Protection Division, escort or protection vehicles are police vehicles that travel at the front of ministers’ convoys. Each vehicle is usually staffed by a five-member police team.
Shahriar said the DMP implemented the decision following instructions from senior government authorities.
Sources, however, said police security and protection would continue to be provided to all ministers during official tours outside Dhaka whenever necessary.
The Daily Star first reported the withdrawal on Sunday.
