Govt bans rallies, gatherings inside Bangladesh Secretariat to tighten security

The government has prohibited processions, rallies, and public gatherings inside the Bangladesh Secretariat as part of heightened security measures.

The Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an office order today (12 August) outlining seven directives regarding security within the Secretariat premises.

According to the order, the security of every building inside the Secretariat is of utmost importance. To ensure discipline and safety at all times, the following decisions have been made:

No rallies, processions, or public gatherings will be allowed inside the Secretariat premises and no unauthorised meetings or assemblies of professional organisations or associations will be held in the conference rooms of ministries and divisions within the Secretariat.

Besides, anyone needing to stay inside the Secretariat after 6pm for urgent official purposes must inform the home ministry.

Similarly, staying inside the Secretariat on weekends or public holidays for official work will require prior permission from the home ministry.

All officers and employees working in the Secretariat must keep their entry passes visible.

No distribution of leaflets or hanging/placing of banners or festoons will be allowed within any building or premises inside the Secretariat, the office order said.

It added that security personnel will ensure the inspection of vehicles and individuals entering the Secretariat.