Diplomatic Security Strengthened in Dhaka

The Government of Bangladesh has intensified security measures across Dhaka, including the United States Embassy and other diplomatic areas, in response to ongoing global security concerns, Interior Minister Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed on Monday.

The announcement followed a courtesy meeting at the Secretariat between Minister Ahmed and the United States Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent T. Christensen. The Interior Ministry’s Press Officer, Foysal Hasan, issued a briefing outlining the discussions and decisions taken during the meeting.

Minister Ahmed stated that, in addition to regular security forces, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed to bolster protection across diplomatic zones. Law enforcement agencies have also been instructed to implement precautionary measures to ensure the safety of foreign missions and personnel.

The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including law enforcement and security cooperation, countering illegal migration, counter-terrorism efforts, and enhancing diplomatic zone security through the implementation of the SPEAR programme and Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV). Both officials emphasised the importance of addressing shared interests and regional security concerns.

At the start of the meeting, Minister Ahmed welcomed Ambassador Christensen, highlighting the United States as a close ally of Bangladesh. “The United States has long been a partner in our counter-terrorism and security initiatives,” the minister said.

Ambassador Christensen, in turn, reiterated Washington’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh. He expressed interest in the rapid implementation of the SPEAR programme to enhance security across the United States Embassy and the broader diplomatic zone. The ambassador stressed that timely execution of the programme is essential; delays could result in the withdrawal or reallocation of US funding for the initiative.

Minister Ahmed confirmed that the government would facilitate swift implementation with the highest level of approval. The ambassador also emphasised the role of ENV in curbing illegal migration. Successful execution of the programme would position Bangladesh favourably in US migration policy, potentially placing the country in the “green zone.”

On counter-terrorism, the ambassador noted that the United States has provided extensive training to nearly 30,000 Bangladesh Police officers from investigative ranks to Deputy Inspector General level since 2010. Essential equipment has also been supplied; however, officer retirements and transfers have limited the programme’s overall effectiveness.

Minister Ahmed assured that necessary corrective measures would be taken. He instructed relevant officials to organise a workshop or meeting with stakeholders to review and expedite programme implementation.

Key Security Measures for Dhaka’s Diplomatic Areas

Overall, the strengthened security framework reflects Bangladesh’s proactive approach to safeguarding diplomatic missions and enhancing law enforcement collaboration with international partners amid an increasingly complex global security landscape.