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Dhaka Boosts Diplomatic Zone Security as US Pushes SPEAR Initiative

Bangladesh has reinforced security in Dhaka's Diplomatic Area, deploying Border Guard Bangladesh alongside police. During a meeting, US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen emphasized the need to implement the SPEAR initiative to augment security for the US Embassy and the entire zone. The discussions also covered the Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV) program for immigration and ongoing US support for counter-terrorism, including the training of thousands of Bangladeshi police officials. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed assured the government's commitment to advancing these cooperative security measures.

Key Points: US-Bangladesh Discuss SPEAR Security & ENV in Diplomatic Area

  • Enhanced security with BGB deployment
  • SPEAR initiative for embassy security
  • Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV) program
  • US training for Bangladesh police
  • Bilateral talks on counter-terrorism
3 min read

Security beefed up in Dhaka's Diplomatic Area; US, Bangladesh discuss SPEAR initiative

Bangladesh strengthens security in Dhaka's Diplomatic Area. US Ambassador discusses SPEAR initiative, ENV program, and counter-terrorism cooperation.

"the US is keen to implement the 'Special Programme for Embassy Augmentation and Response (SPEAR)' - Ambassador Brent T. Christensen"

Dhaka, March 2

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that security measures in the Diplomatic Area, including the United States Embassy, have been strengthened in view of the ongoing global situation.

The Minister made these remarks during a courtesy call by the US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent T. Christensen, at his office in the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Bangladesh Secretariat this morning.

The Minister noted that, in addition to regular police forces, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed to reinforce security in the Diplomatic Area. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies have been directed to remain on 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 programme 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 to strengthen its bilateral relations with Bangladesh.

Ambassador Christensen emphasised 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 the 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 programme, following approval from the highest levels of the government. The Ambassador also congratulated the Minister on his new portfolio.

Regarding illegal migration, the Ambassador stated that the US intends to implement the 'Electronic Nationality Verification' (ENV) programme in Bangladesh. Successful implementation would place Bangladesh in the 'Green Zone' with regard to US immigration.

The Ambassador 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 the retirements and transfers of trained personnel.

The Minister assured that necessary steps would be taken in this regard and directed relevant ministry officials to organise a meeting or workshop with concerned stakeholders.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The part about 30,000 police officials trained since 2010 is interesting, but the Ambassador himself admits the impact is limited due to retirements and transfers. This is a classic capacity-building challenge. Maybe a more sustainable model focusing on institutional training rather than individual batches is needed. 🤔
R
Rohit P
"Green Zone" for US immigration if ENV is implemented? That's a big deal for many families. Could significantly reduce visa interview hassles for genuine Bangladeshi travelers. Hope the system is robust and doesn't get misused.
S
Sarah B
The diplomatic language is clear: sign the MoU quickly or funding goes elsewhere. The US is very transactional in its foreign aid. Bangladesh government needs to move fast on the approvals if they want this security upgrade.
V
Vikram M
Deploying Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in the diplomatic zone shows they are serious. Security cooperation is fine, but Bangladesh must ensure its sovereignty isn't compromised. These partnerships should be on equal terms. Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
Discussing illegal migration is crucial. It's a complex issue affecting many countries, including India. A verifiable Electronic Nationality Verification system could be a positive step if implemented transparently. Hope it sets a good example for regional cooperation.

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