BNP seeks SSF security for Tarique Rahman; govt yet to decide

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has formally applied for Special Security Force (SSF) protection for its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, ahead of his return to Bangladesh from the United Kingdom, citing security threats.

However, the interim government has yet to decide on the request. 

Officials from the Chief Adviser's Office and the Home Ministry, along with BNP central committee leaders, confirmed the application to The Business Standard on Saturday.

Following the request, the interim government held at least three meetings to discuss the matter last week. Meeting insiders said opinions were divided, with some officials supporting the request while others opposed it, arguing that Tarique Rahman does not hold a state position and is neither the prime minister nor the party chairman.

National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Chief Adviser's office officials, and several members of the advisory council attended the meetings, according to officials familiar with the discussions.

In Bangladesh, the Special Security Force (SSF) is typically assigned to the president, prime minister, designated very important individuals (VVIPs), and visiting foreign heads of state or government. Any extension of SSF protection beyond these categories generally requires a special government decision.

Home Ministry sources said BNP has applied for SSF coverage in early December. Earlier, in June, BNP Treasurer Rashiduzzaman Millat had also sought approval for a bulletproof vehicle and enhanced security measures for Tarique Rahman's return after more than 17 years in exile.

An official from the Chief Adviser's Office told TBS that SSF protection could only be considered if Tarique Rahman stays at his mother's residence in Gulshan, which is already under SSF protection following Khaleda Zia's designation as a VVIP.

"Otherwise, granting SSF security could open the door for similar demands from other political parties," the official said.

Limits of party security force

BNP Chairperson's Security Affairs Adviser Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar said the party's Chairperson Security Force (CSF), formed with retired officers and soldiers, is capable of managing crowd control but lacks the capacity to deal with high-risk threats.

He said while CSF can secure a residence, it is not equipped to provide full protection when Tarique Rahman moves publicly or engages with large crowds. "SSF personnel are trained in 360-degree threat assessment and are best suited for this type of close protection," he said.

Akbar also cited past precedents, noting that during a previous caretaker government, SSF protection was provided to political figures, including Khaleda Zia during her 2008 election campaign. "If the government wishes, it can provide SSF protection now as well," he said, adding that a proper threat assessment and political will are key.

Flight security changes

Meanwhile, two cabin crew members were removed from a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight scheduled to carry Tarique Rahman following intelligence assessments that flagged potential security concerns, airline sources said. 

The decision came late Saturday. The assessment cited security concerns linked to the crew members' alleged political affiliations, sources said.

The flight, BG-202, is scheduled to depart London Heathrow for Dhaka on the evening of 24 December, ahead of Tarique Rahman's arrival on 25 December.

Junior purser Md Sawgatul Alam Sawgat and flight stewardess Jiniya Islam Jiniya were initially assigned to the flight but were later replaced by flight purser Mostafa and stewardess Ayat, according to Biman's flight services department.

Security preparations in Dhaka

Law enforcement agencies have begun preparations for Tarique Rahman's return. The Home Ministry and police sources said around 2,000 personnel from police and other agencies are expected to be deployed on the day of his arrival. 

Security arrangements will cover Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the route to Gulshan via Evercare Hospital, and his residence. Police said field-level officers have already been instructed, though final directives are yet to be issued.

Police headquarters sources said the residences of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman in Gulshan are adjacent, prompting authorities to bring both homes and Tarique Rahman's office under a single security plan. 

Movement routes between the residences and his office are being treated as key security considerations.

Law enforcement sources said police surveillance may begin from midnight on 23 December. On 25 December, security will be enforced across all police station areas along the route, supported by special escorts and multiple checkpoints.

Currently, at least nine checkpoints are operating in Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara, with more than 150 police personnel deployed round the clock. 

Additional checkpoints may be added ahead of Tarique Rahman's return, while security around his residence and surrounding areas will be increased as needed.

Speaking about the preparations, Gulshan Division Deputy Commissioner (DC) Raunak Alam said multiple police units are working in coordination, though final security directives are yet to be issued.

"We will implement the highest level of security once final instructions are received," he added.

When contacted, Home Ministry Senior Information Officer Faisan Hasan declined to comment. TBS also attempted to reach Brigadier General (retd) Shamsul Islam, chief security officer for Tarique Rahman and Khaleda Zia, but he could not be reached.

Tarique to register as voter on 27 Dec

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed yesterday confirmed that Tarique Rahman, is set to register as a voter on 27 December, shortly after returning to the country from London. 

Salahuddin made the announcement while speaking to reporters following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission Secretariat in Agargaon.

He said Tarique Rahman is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on 25 December. 

"The following day is Friday, so he will complete all the necessary formalities to be enrolled in the voters' list on 27 December."