According to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, given the current status of the world, security measures in diplomatic places, including the US embassy, have been reinforced.
According to a news release from the ministry, the minister made these comments this morning during a courtesy call by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen at his office in the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Bangladesh Secretariat here.
He pointed out that Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been sent to strengthen security in the Diplomatic Area in addition to normal police units.
Furthermore, law enforcement agencies have been directed to maintain high alert and take necessary precautionary measures.
During the meeting, both sides discussed various issues of mutual interest, including law and order, security cooperation, curbing illegal migration, counter-terrorism, the SPEAR program for enhancing diplomatic security, and the implementation of Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV).
Welcoming the Ambassador at the beginning of the meeting, the Minister described the United States as a close ally of Bangladesh, noting that the US has been a steadfast partner in security and counter-terrorism efforts since the beginning.
During the discussion, the Ambassador stated that the United States is keen on strengthening its bilateral relations with Bangladesh.
Ambassador Christensen emphasized that the US is keen to implement the “Special Programme for Embassy Augmentation and Response (SPEAR)” to consolidate security for the US Embassy and the entire Diplomatic area in Dhaka.
He stressed the need for a swift signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), noting that otherwise, the dedicated US funding might be diverted elsewhere.
In response, the minister expressed the government’s commitment to the quick implementation of the program, following approval from the highest levels of the government.
The Ambassador also congratulated the Minister on his new portfolio.
Regarding illegal migration, the envoy stated that the US intends to implement the ‘Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV)’ program in Bangladesh. Successful implementation would place Bangladesh in the “Green Zone” regarding US immigration.
He further highlighted that the US has been supporting Bangladesh’s counter-terrorism efforts for a long time.
Since 2010, the US has trained approximately 30,000 Bangladesh Police officials—ranging from investigating officers to Deputy Inspector General (DIG)—and provided necessary equipment.
However, he noted that the impact has been limited due to retirements and transfers of trained personnel.
The Minister assured that necessary steps would be taken in this regard and directed relevant ministry officials to organize a meeting/workshop with concerned stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by Joint Secretary of the Political-1 Branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Rebeka Khan, Political and Economic Counselor of the US Embassy, Eric Geelan, Political Officer Shane Sanders, Political Specialist Tanik Munir, and Political Officer Riley Palmertree, among others.
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