Citizens’ Safety: Core security committee reformed

The government has reconstituted its Core Committee in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s law and order and internal security framework.

A gazette notification to this effect was issued on Tuesday by the Ministry of Home Affairs, signed by Deputy Secretary K.M. Yasir Arafat on behalf of the President.

According to the notification, the committee will be chaired by the Minister for Home Affairs. Its members include the Senior Secretary/Secretary of the ministry, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the heads of key security and intelligence agencies, namely the Special Security Force (SSF), Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP), National Security Intelligence (NSI), National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Bangladesh Coast Guard, and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). A representative from the Armed Forces Division, holding the rank of Brigadier General, will also serve on the committee.

The Additional Secretary (Political) of the Ministry of Home Affairs will act as Member Secretary.
The committee has been tasked with regularly assessing the country’s law and order and internal security situation and advising the government on necessary measures.

It will also oversee and review national and state security-related activities while ensuring effective coordination among the relevant agencies.

In addition, the committee will examine external security issues that have implications for internal stability. It will monitor security arrangements for the President, the Prime Minister or Chief Adviser, and other high-ranking individuals, and provide appropriate recommendations.

The notification further states that the committee may summon any relevant official to attend its meetings if required. Meetings may be convened at any time at the discretion of the chairperson.

All decisions and recommendations will be documented and communicated to the appropriate authorities.

Strict confidentiality has been emphasised, with all proceedings, discussions and decisions of the committee to remain undisclosed outside its membership unless authorised by the chairperson.