Triple-Zone Security Framework Established for Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies have finalised an extensive “covert and overt” protection strategy to ensure the safety of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman upon his return. This sophisticated security apparatus involves the implementation of a triple-layered zoning system—categorised as Red, Yellow, and White—designed to mitigate risks while managing the large crowds expected to greet the political leader.

According to high-level sources, the security architecture was refined during a series of coordination meetings held on Tuesday between the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and the BNP’s internal security wing, the Chairperson’s Security Force (CSF). The primary objective is to maintain a sterile environment around the Acting Chairman through rigorous access control.

The Triple-Zone Security Framework

Operational Scale and Personnel

The DMP has mobilised a force of approximately 2,000 personnel to execute this plan. This includes a significant contingent of plainclothes intelligence officers tasked with “covert” surveillance to identify and neutralise threats discreetly, complemented by “overt” uniformed officers for visible deterrence.

Although the government has opted not to provide the Special Security Force (SSF)—an elite unit usually reserved for heads of state—Additional Commissioner SN Nazrul Islam emphasised that the protection level would be exceptionally high. “We have incorporated the airport, the transit route via Evercare Hospital, and his Gulshan residence into a unified security corridor,” he stated.

Strategic Perimeter Surveillance

A key focus of the operation is the high-profile Gulshan enclave where Tarique Rahman and his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, reside. As their properties are adjacent, the entire block has been declared a high-priority security site.

Heightened Monitoring: Surveillance intensified at midnight on Tuesday, with a focus on the routes connecting the airport to Gulshan.

Checkpoint Expansion: While the Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara zones typically operate nine permanent checkpoints, this number is being significantly increased.

Escort Services: A dedicated security escort will accompany the leader’s motorcade, with field officers already positioned to manage the logistics of his transit.

Deputy Commissioner of the Gulshan Division, Rawnak Alam, confirmed that while the final operational orders are being finalised, the various police units are already working in a synchronised manner. On 25th December, security measures across all relevant police stations will be tightened to ensure the route remains secure and the transition is seamless.