Bangladesh Grants Armed Protection to Twenty Individuals

In the aftermath of the assassination of Osman Hadi, spokesperson for the Inquilab Munch, twenty high-profile individuals assessed to be at risk have been provided with armed security, commonly known as “gunmen.” The recipients include senior political leaders across multiple parties, as well as other prominent figures, officials confirmed.

Speaking at a briefing on Monday, 22 December, following a meeting of the Law and Order Committee at the Secretariat, Home Adviser Major General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that twenty individuals have so far received armed protection.

When questioned on whether all recipients were political figures, the adviser refrained from specifying. Security agencies—including the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI), and Special Branch (SB)—have compiled a list of individuals deemed to face significant threats. While many on the list accepted the security arrangements, several reportedly declined protection, citing personal reasons.

Sources indicate that the recipients include senior leaders of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), such as Nahid Islam, former Adviser to the Interim Government; Secretary Akhtar Hossain; Southern Chief Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah; Northern Chief Coordinator Sarjis Alam; Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary; and Senior Joint Secretary Tasnim Zara.

Leaders from the Ganadhikar Parishad, including President Nurul Haque Nur and General Secretary Rashed Khan, are also confirmed recipients of armed protection.

In addition, several politicians and parliamentary candidates have applied for both armed security and firearm licences. Notably, Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shafiqul Rahman has requested round-the-clock security and protection for his residence. Security applications have also been submitted for National Party (JP) Chairman Anwar Hossain Manju, Barrister Andalib Rahman Partha, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed, Ganashonghoti Andolon Chief Coordinator Jonayed Saki, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh Secretary General Yunus Ahmed Sheikh.

Home Adviser Jahangir Alam emphasised that security provisions are determined strictly on the basis of threat assessments conducted by intelligence agencies. He stressed that only individuals whose risk levels justify armed protection will be covered under the programme.

High-Risk Individuals Receiving Armed Protection:

This initiative highlights the heightened security concerns for political and public figures in Bangladesh following recent high-profile attacks, while intelligence and law enforcement agencies continue to monitor potential threats closely to ensure the safety of those at risk.