Security breaches shake Bangladesh Secretariat
Gazi Anowar :
The Bangladesh Secretariat, the administrative heart of the government, has come under intense scrutiny following a series of security breaches that have exposed vulnerabilities within one of the country’s most heavily guarded complexes.
Located in central Dhaka, the Secretariat spans around 30 acres and accommodates more than 43 ministries and divisions, including key offices such as the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, and the Prime Minister’s Office Liaison Unit.
Each day, thousands of civil servants, ministers, and officials operate within its secured boundaries.
Despite a multi-layered security arrangement comprising armed police units, intelligence personnel, CCTV surveillance, and controlled access at five main gates, protesters have repeatedly managed to breach the compound over the past year.
Incidents ranging from mass protests storming the premises, acts of vandalism, and even reported arson in some ministries have raised serious questions about the effectiveness of current security protocols.
There is growing speculation that political factors may be contributing to lapses in security measures.
Since the July Uprising of 2024, the Secretariat has been the focal point for various demonstrations.
Protesters, including members of the Ansar force and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) students demanding automatic exam pass concessions, have repeatedly penetrated security barriers.
One of the most severe breaches involved a fire at the Local Government Division (LGD) Ministry, which caused damage to government records and property.
More recently, in the aftermath of the tragic Milestone College accident, students angered by the handling of the situation stormed the Secretariat, demanding the resignation of the Education Adviser and vandalising government vehicles within the complex.
Critics highlight that despite the multi-tiered security system, authorities have often failed to act decisively to secure entry points when protests began to form, raising concerns about possible deliberate negligence or internal complicity.
Retired Brigadier General Sarwar Hossain, a security analyst and former intelligence officer, told The New Nation: “Such repeated breaches are unusual.
This points either to a major intelligence failure or deliberate undermining within the command structure. The Secretariat is a symbolic institution, and any attack here sends a strong political message.
It is important to examine whether some within the establishment are benefiting from this disorder.”
He emphasised the need for independent audits and external oversight to restore confidence in the security apparatus. Political commentators have suggested that lingering autocratic influences within security forces may be enabling unrest.
According to a report by the Civil Watchdog Network, police responses were delayed in at least three recent incidents despite prior warnings.
“This cannot be a coincidence,” said a former senior official who wished to remain anonymous.
“When those tasked with securing the nation’s key administrative centre repeatedly fail, we must question whether it is due to incompetence or intent.”
To date, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued brief statements calling for investigations and appropriate action but has not proposed any structural reforms.
Security experts are urging the introduction of modern technologies such as digital gate logs, facial recognition systems, and drone surveillance around the Secretariat.
There is also growing support for establishing an independent Secretariat Security Force (SSF), separate from the regular police.
With public trust diminishing after each breach, the integrity of Bangladesh’s most vital government institution is at risk.
Without swift reforms and accountability measures, these incidents may encourage further disruptions and raise serious concerns about the stability of governance in the country.