Security Strengthened in Diplomatic Zone, Says Home Adviser

Home Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed has said that security measures have been reinforced in diplomatic areas, including the United States Embassy, in light of the ongoing global situation.

He made the remarks on Monday morning during a courtesy meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen at his office in the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

The adviser stated that, in addition to regular law enforcement forces, members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to enhance security in diplomatic zones. Law enforcement agencies have also been instructed to take precautionary measures to ensure overall safety.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including law and order, security cooperation, illegal immigration, counterterrorism efforts, and the strengthening of security in diplomatic areas. They also discussed the implementation of the Special Program for Embassy Augmentation and Response (SPEAR) and the Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV) program.

At the outset of the meeting, Salahuddin Ahmed welcomed the ambassador and described the United States as a close partner of Bangladesh, noting that the U.S. has long worked closely with Bangladesh in counterterrorism and security sectors.

Ambassador Christensen said the United States is keen to further strengthen bilateral relations with Bangladesh. He expressed interest in implementing the SPEAR program to enhance the capacity and operations of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka and the overall security of the diplomatic area. He emphasized the need to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) promptly, warning that otherwise the allocated U.S. funding could be withdrawn or redirected elsewhere.

In response, the Home Adviser said the government would seek approval at the highest level to expedite implementation of the program.

The ambassador congratulated Salahuddin Ahmed on assuming his new role and reiterated U.S. interest in implementing the ENV program in Bangladesh to curb illegal immigration. He noted that successful implementation would place Bangladesh in the “Green Zone” category in the U.S. immigration sector.

Christensen also highlighted longstanding U.S. support in counterterrorism efforts, stating that since 2010, the United States has provided training to nearly 30,000 officers of the Bangladesh Police—from investigating officers to deputy inspectors general (DIGs)—and supplied necessary equipment. However, he noted that due to retirements and transfers, the outcomes have not been as effective as expected.

The Home Adviser assured that necessary steps would be taken and directed relevant ministry officials to organize a meeting or workshop with stakeholders to address the matter.

Among others present at the meeting were Joint Secretary (Political-1) of the Ministry of Home Affairs Rebecca Khan, Political and Economic Counselor of the U.S. Embassy Eric Gilman, Political Officer Shane Sanders, Political Specialist Taniq Munir, and Political Officer Riley Palmatier.