Security Units Face Rebrand With Expanded National Role

Bangladesh’s specialised counter-terrorism agencies could soon operate under new identities as part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at adapting the country’s security framework to evolving threats. The proposal not only seeks to rename the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) and the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Unit but also significantly expand their operational responsibilities.

According to a report published our representative, Police Headquarters (PHQ) submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs on 7 June requesting approval to rename the Anti-Terrorism Unit as the Special Security Unit (SSU). The proposal argues that the nature of security threats, both in Bangladesh and globally, has changed rapidly in recent years. While violent extremism remains a concern, emerging risks driven by technological developments require a broader institutional structure capable of addressing a wider range of security challenges.

A separate letter sent on 8 June to the Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) recommended renaming the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Unit as the Special Security Unit-DMP (SSU-DMP), signalling that similar organisational changes are being considered at the metropolitan level.

AHM Shahadat Hossain, Assistant Inspector General (Media) at Police Headquarters, said the restructuring proposal is intended to strengthen the effectiveness of both units while ensuring that their existing security responsibilities remain unchanged. He explained that the initiative focuses on enhancing institutional capacity rather than replacing the agencies’ core counter-terrorism functions.

Police Headquarters also believes that adopting new names could help rebuild public confidence by distancing the organisations from criticism and controversy associated with some past operations. Officials argue that a modern identity better reflects the broader security responsibilities expected of specialised law enforcement agencies in today’s rapidly changing environment.

The proposal, signed on behalf of the Inspector General of Police by an Additional Deputy Inspector General, states that advances in artificial intelligence, the widespread use of the internet and the unprecedented speed of information sharing have fundamentally altered the country’s security landscape. As a result, conventional approaches to policing and national security require modernisation to remain effective against increasingly sophisticated threats.

The origins of the Anti-Terrorism Unit are closely linked to one of Bangladesh’s deadliest terrorist attacks. Following the 2016 militant assault on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka, in which 22 people, including 17 foreign nationals, were killed, the government moved to establish a dedicated counter-terrorism force. The ATU officially began operations on 7 December 2017 and currently has an authorised strength of 620 personnel. Since then, it has served as Bangladesh’s specialised nationwide agency for combating terrorism and violent extremism.

The restructuring proposal notes that extremist organisations are now employing increasingly advanced methods to plan, finance and execute attacks. Their activities are no longer confined to physical operations. Authorities say these groups also exploit digital platforms to spread misinformation, fuel communal tensions and recruit supporters, particularly among vulnerable and economically disadvantaged communities. The document further warns that extremist networks use distorted religious narratives and online communication to radicalise young people, including through educational institutions and social media, while building covert “sleeper cells” capable of carrying out future attacks.

Under the proposed structure, the Special Security Unit would be responsible for a broader range of national security duties extending beyond counter-terrorism. These responsibilities would include safeguarding internal security, protecting national stability and contributing more extensively to public safety, reflecting the increasingly interconnected nature of modern security threats.

Police Headquarters also maintains that the title “Special Security Unit” is internationally recognised, which could facilitate stronger cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies and improve coordination with other domestic security institutions. Officials further state that implementing the proposed renaming and organisational restructuring would not require any additional government expenditure.

Despite the official rationale, the proposal has generated concern within both organisations. Speaking anonymously, officers from the ATU and CTTC cautioned that assigning a wider range of responsibilities to agencies originally established for specialised counter-terrorism work could dilute their operational focus.

One ATU officer warned that burdening a specialised organisation with multiple additional responsibilities could ultimately weaken its ability to fulfil its primary mission. A CTTC officer echoed similar concerns, saying that although a change of name alone would not immediately affect the unit’s current responsibilities, expanding its mandate in the future could reduce its effectiveness in combating terrorism and violent extremism.