The government has ramped up surveillance and security measures across the country amid fears of possible unrest ahead of the national elections, expected to be held in February.
Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to strengthen protection at all key point installations (KPIs) following an assessment of intelligence reports from multiple agencies. The decision was taken on Tuesday at a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Secretariat.
Chief adviser’s Special Assistant Lutfey Siddiqi, Senior Secretary to the home ministry Nasimul Gani, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, and senior officials from various law enforcement bodies attended the meeting with Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury in the chair.
Deputy Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam at the home ministry said, “Strict vigilance is always maintained around KPIs, but we have now instructed agencies to further strengthen security. The government has taken additional measures to ensure that no untoward incident occurs at these installations.”
As per the committee’s directive, all law enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert to protect the KPIs. Authorities warned that any attempt to create unrest under the guise of political agitation will be met with strict action.
What are KPIs?
KPIs refer to vital facilities whose damage could disrupt national life and cause severe economic harm. These include Bangabhaban, the Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ganabhaban, Bangladesh Bank, land ports, airports, power plants, telecom and defence installations, major bridges, government offices, gas fields, industries— hospitals, and educational institutions.
Security measures
According to the KPI Security Policy 2013, each installation must be safeguarded by high boundary walls, barbed wire or steel fencing, restricted access (through biometric systems or on-site security personnel), and round-the-clock surveillance using CCTV and other monitoring tools. Police, Ansar, and other security forces conduct continuous patrols in these areas.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Secretariat) AKM Zahirul Islam said, “We have increased security and surveillance in and around the Secretariat following the committee’s directive. CCTV footage is being closely monitored, and intelligence surveillance has been intensified.”
