Security in US Embassy, other diplomatic areas strengthened: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that security in the diplomatic area, including around the US Embassy, has been strengthened in response to the current global situation. 

He made these comments during a courtesy call from US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen at his office in the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday.

To bolster security in the diplomatic zone, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed alongside regular forces, and law enforcement agencies have received instructions to implement precautionary measures.

The meeting covered various mutual interests, such as law and order, bilateral security cooperation, efforts to curb illegal migration, counter-terrorism initiatives, the Special Programme for Embassy Augmentation and Response (SPEAR) for enhancing diplomatic security, and the implementation of Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV).

At the outset, the minister welcomed the ambassador, describing the United States as a close ally and long-standing partner in Bangladesh's counter-terrorism and security efforts. 

The ambassador expressed the US desire to further strengthen ties with Bangladesh and highlighted strong interest in swiftly implementing the SPEAR programme to improve security for the US Embassy and the broader diplomatic area in Dhaka. 

He noted that a memorandum of understanding should be signed promptly, as delays could lead to the reallocation or return of US funds earmarked for the initiative. 

The minister affirmed Bangladesh's commitment to expediting the programme with approval from the highest levels of government. 

The ambassador also congratulated the minister on assuming his new role.

Ambassador Christensen further emphasised US support for implementing the Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV) programme in Bangladesh to help prevent illegal immigration, which would position Bangladesh within the US immigration green zone upon successful rollout.

He recalled the longstanding US cooperation in counter-terrorism, including training and equipment provision to approximately 30,000 Bangladesh Police officers—from investigation levels up to Deputy Inspector General—since 2010. 

However, he noted that effectiveness has been limited due to retirements and transfers. The minister assured necessary actions would be taken and directed ministry officials to arrange a meeting or workshop with relevant stakeholders to address this.

The meeting was attended by Rebecca Khan, Joint Secretary (Political-1 Branch) from the Ministry of Home Affairs, along with Eric Gillan (Political and Economic Counselor), Shane Sanders (Political Officer), Tanik Munir (Political Specialist), and Riley Palmerty (Political Officer) from the US Embassy.