Government Lists 43 High-Risk Individuals for Security

The government has compiled a list of 43 individuals considered at high risk to their personal safety, including politicians, student leaders, journalists, parliamentary candidates, and veterans of the July Liberation War. Of these, 20 have already been assigned armed bodyguards, while uniformed police personnel have been deployed to secure the residences of some others.

However, a significant challenge has emerged: many of the individuals on the list do not possess private vehicles, raising questions about how continuous security can be effectively maintained. Police and intelligence agencies are reportedly exploring alternative measures to address this logistical gap.

A senior police official explained that 24/7 security arrangements have been initiated for high-risk individuals. “Where private vehicles are absent, these individuals often travel by rickshaw or other hired transport. This complicates the police’s ability to provide adequate security, especially considering the current shortage of government vehicles,” the official said.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner (Crime & Operations) S.N. Nazrul Islam confirmed that a list of 13 individuals under heightened security risk has been received. Of these, four have already been provided with armed bodyguards, while arrangements for the remaining nine are ongoing due to the lack of personal vehicles.

According to sources, the Special Branch of Police has prepared a separate list of 30 individuals for bodyguard deployment, with 17 already receiving armed protection.

The Home Affairs Advisor, Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, noted that following the assassination of Osman Hadi, 20 high-risk figures, including editors from prominent newspapers, have been allocated bodyguards. Many individuals, however, opted not to accept armed protection despite being listed as high-risk.

Notable recipients of bodyguard assignments include former interim government adviser Nahid Islam, NCP conveners Akhtar Hossain, Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Nasiruddin Patwari, and senior deputy secretary Tasnim Zara. Special security arrangements have also been provided for Osman Hadi’s family, including police deployment at their residence.

Several political leaders and parliamentary candidates have applied for armed guards and firearm licences. By yesterday, 17 individuals had submitted applications to the Ministry of Home Affairs, alongside approximately 25 government officials. The process involves initial verification by intelligence agencies, followed by licence issuance from the relevant district magistrates based on the Home Advisor’s recommendation.

The Ministry has also issued the 2025 Firearm Licence and Retainer Policy, enabling high-risk figures to engage private armed bodyguards and obtain firearms for limited periods. Applications are assessed according to the individual’s risk level and investigative reports.

Summary of Security Assignments