Government Identifies 43 High-Risk Individuals

The government has compiled a list of 43 individuals considered highly vulnerable to security threats. The list comprises politicians, student leaders, journalists, candidates for the national parliamentary elections, and recognised freedom fighters. Of these, 20 have already been assigned personal bodyguards, while several others have received uniformed police protection at their residences.

Authorities face a significant challenge in ensuring the security of individuals who do not own private vehicles. Police and intelligence agencies are currently devising alternative strategies to maintain continuous protection for these individuals.

A senior police official told Our Time that round-the-clock security arrangements have already begun. “For those without private vehicles, we face a logistical challenge. Many rely on rickshaws or hired vehicles, which makes continuous protection difficult, especially given our own shortage of vehicles,” the officer explained. “Ensuring security without vehicles is not only challenging but also risky for the police personnel involved.”

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Nazrul Islam confirmed that a separate list of 13 individuals at immediate risk has been received. Security arrangements have already been put in place for these persons, with bodyguard deployment underway for four, while nine are pending due to the absence of personal vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Special Branch has recommended bodyguard protection for 30 individuals, of whom 17 have been assigned plainclothes personnel.

According to Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, advisor to the Home Ministry, following the assassination of Osman Hadi, 20 prominent individuals were provided bodyguards. These include editors of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, six NCP leaders, and other high-risk figures identified by intelligence agencies including DGFI, NSI, and SB. Many accepted protection, while some declined.

Security Allocation Summary:

Several notable figures, including former interim government advisor Nahid Islam, NCP regional coordinators Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam, and senior secretaries Tasnim Zara, have received bodyguards. Special protection has also been provided for the family of the late Osman Hadi.

Furthermore, political figures and candidates continue to apply for armed licences and private bodyguards, with 17 applications received by the Home Ministry as of yesterday. These applications are subject to security vetting by intelligence agencies before approval. The Ministry has also issued the Armed Licence and Retainer Deployment Policy, 2025, which allows high-risk political and parliamentary candidates to employ armed bodyguards and obtain temporary firearms licences.

Applicants must submit their requests through the prescribed form, after which security assessments determine the final approval.