Highlights
- Government has started assigning gunmen to frontline July movement activists and political figures
- Nahid Islam, Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam and Tasnim Jara have already received armed security
- Several senior politicians, including Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and Andaleeve Rahman Partho, have applied for gunmen
- Special security measures announced for the family of Shaheed Osman Hadi
Government Moves to Ensure Personal Security
The government has taken initiatives to ensure personal security for July movement activists, coordinators, parliamentary election candidates, and senior political leaders. As part of this effort, several frontline figures of the July movement have been provided with Gunmen Assigned (armed guards).
The process of issuing licenses for personal firearms is also currently underway.
Who Has Already Received Gunmen
Those who have already been given gunmen include:
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Nahid Islam, former adviser of the interim government and Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP)
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Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Coordinator (South), NCP
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Sarjis Alam, Chief Coordinator (North), NCP
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Tasnim Jara, Senior Joint Member Secretary, NCP
Applications from Senior Political Leaders
Several politicians and parliamentary election candidates have applied for gunmen and firearm licenses.
Among them are:
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Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami
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Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Chairman of Bangladesh Jatiya Party
Both leaders have formally applied to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) for personal security.
More Leaders Likely to Receive Security
Based on applications, gunmen and firearm licenses are expected to be approved soon for several others, including:
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Junaid Saki, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon
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BNP parliamentary candidates Tanvir Ahmed Robin (Demra–Jatrabari) and Zafir Tuhin (Pabna-3)
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Anwar Hossain Manju, Chairman of Jatiya Party (JP)
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Oli Ahmed, President of Liberal Democratic Party
Special Security for Osman Hadi’s Family
Special security arrangements are being provided to the family of Shaheed Osman Hadi, who was active in the anti-fascist and anti-hegemony movement.
One of Hadi’s sisters will receive a firearm license and a gunman, while other family members will be given round-the-clock police protection.
Why the Security Measures Were Taken
According to high-level sources from the Ministry of Home Affairs and police, law and order ahead of the national election is a major challenge for the interim government.
Intelligence reports have warned that fascist elements are planning to disrupt the election process. Since 5 August last year, when Sheikh Hasina fell from power, July movement activists have faced continuous threats.
Outlawed Awami League and Chhatra League affiliates, some hiding inside the country and others abroad, have reportedly been issuing death threats.
Threats Before Osman Hadi’s Killing
Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, had been receiving threats from foreign phone numbers for months.
He was shot on 12 December with the intent to kill. Despite advanced medical treatment at home and abroad, he could not survive.
His death forced the government to reassess security risks for July movement activists.
Police Officials Speak
Inspector General of Police Bahaarul Alam said:
“যারা বেশি নিরাপত্তা ঝুঁকিতে রয়েছেন তাদের একজন অস্ত্রধারী রক্ষী দিয়েছি।”
Translation: “We have provided armed guards to those who are at higher security risk.”
He added that those at lower risk have been given movement guidelines and safety instructions.
Gunmen Not Possible for Everyone
Police officials stated that while many July activists have requested gunmen and firearm licenses, it is not possible to provide gunmen to everyone due to manpower limitations.
Many applicants are students who travel by rickshaws or public transport, making gunman deployment difficult.
Written Applications Required
Sources from the Ministry of Home Affairs said verbal requests are not acceptable. Only written applications are being considered seriously.
So far, 12 written applications have been received, and a decision will be taken after a high-level meeting in the coming days.
Temporary Security Measures
Authorities confirmed that no one has officially been assigned permanent gunmen yet.
Current deployments by DMP and Special Branch (SB) are temporary and unofficial until ministry approval is completed.
Source: Daily Jugantor
