Unauthorised visitors rise at Secretariat despite pass system

The number of visitors entering Bangladesh Secretariat without valid passes has increased, with hundreds allegedly gaining access regularly without the required one-time passwords (OTPs) or authorisation letters from ministry officials.

Complaints have been lodged with the Home Ministry and the Cabinet Division alleging that law enforcement personnel stationed at entry gates are helping unauthorised visitors enter the administrative hub.

According to the Cabinet Division, a complaint was filed on 24 September against nine police personnel for allegedly allowing visitors without valid passes. Intelligence officials later investigated the allegations.

A Cabinet Division official, speaking to TBS on condition of anonymity, said some law enforcers were allowing visitors to enter without verifying their OTPs. Even some were allowed in for money.

The official said the alleged involvement of the bodyguard of an influential state minister had unfolded during the investigation. However, direct involvement of the accused cops could not be established, the official said.

Against this backdrop, a cabinet meeting is scheduled to be held on SUnday (4 October) to review the visitor entry system and decide on further measures.

The meeting, chaired by the cabinet secretary, will be attended by secretaries of the ministries of home affairs, finance, housing and public works, and public administration, along with police and Secretariat Security Division officials.

Earlier, on 30 September, the Home Ministry issued a directive saying the rise in visitors entering the Secretariat without proper passes or authorisation could pose security risks and disrupt the normal working environment.

Officials were instructed to verify visitors' OTPs properly before allowing them entry.

More technology planned for security

On 28 September, the Home Ministry formed a committee to strengthen the security system.

The committee will assess the need for a luggage scanner at the main entrance of Building 2 and install kiosk machines at Buildings 1 and 2 to verify visitors' OTPs.

It includes officials from the Home Ministry, Secretariat Security Division, Special Security Force, Bangladesh Computer Council and the ministry's ICT Cell.

The committee will determine the number and technical specifications of the kiosks and prepare cost estimates. It will also prepare specifications and estimates for a luggage scanner to check bags and parcels entering Building 2.

Pass system already in place

The Secretariat already has an online visitor pass system. General visitors can register through the Home Ministry's website and apply for a gate pass.

A quota system has also been in place since April. The private secretary of a minister or equivalent adviser can issue up to 20 passes, while a state minister or equivalent adviser's private secretary can issue 15.

The private secretaries of the cabinet secretary, senior secretaries and secretaries can issue 10 passes each, while additional secretaries can issue four and joint secretaries three.

OTP verification is mandatory for issuing passes.

Visitor entry remains suspended on Mondays and Thursdays due to Cabinet meetings and other important activities. Despite the restriction, many visitors are still seen at the Secretariat on those days.