We express grave concern over the alarming breach of security at the Bangladesh Secretariat— the country’s administrative nerve centre and a Key Point Installation (KPI) area. On Tuesday, thousands of students forced their way through Gate No. 1 and entered the premises, causing damage and raising serious questions about the state of security at the heart of our administration.
The incident has sparked widespread debate, particularly on social media, where many have voiced scepticism over the official account. Critics have questioned the government’s preparedness and the apparent failure of security protocols in an area supposedly under tight surveillance. Political leaders, civil servants, and citizens alike have expressed fears that the breach may not have been spontaneous, but rather a premeditated act.
This is not a solitary occurrence. On 25 December last year, a suspicious late-night fire in Building No. 7 of the Secretariat destroyed vital documents from five key ministries. That incident, too, raised suspicions of sabotage and left high-ranking officials and the public deeply alarmed.
Further compounding the issue are the frequent demonstrations staged by government employees within the Secretariat premises, which have repeatedly disrupted normal administrative activities.
During such protests, entry for visitors is restricted, and staff often abandon their seats for hours—seriously hampering the day-to-day operations of the government.
The incident has sparked widespread
debate, particularly on social media,
where many have voiced scepticism
over the official account
The recent student protest, triggered by the tragic jet crash involving students from Milestone College and the abrupt postponement of the HSC examination-announced at 3 a.m., saw thousands gather at the Secretariat demanding justice and accountability.
The protest escalated into a confrontation with law enforcement agencies, resulting in over 70 students injured and treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Protesters breached the Secretariat gates, brought traffic to a halt, and were met with baton charges, sound grenades, and tear gas as police tried to
restore order.
These developments raise deeply troubling questions: How could such a breach occur in an area manned by more than 100 security personnel and monitored by intelligence agencies? How could such disorder unfold in what should be one of the most secure zones in the country?
We urge all stakeholders—government, civil society, and the general public—to approach this crisis collectively, with unity and resolve. Bangladesh must remain firm in the face of unrest and uphold democratic values in addressing dissent and disorder.
We call on all pro-democracy advocates to stay calm and united. At a time of national grief and growing tension, we must reject division, violence, and mob mentality. A resilient social structure based on tolerance, self-restraint, and mutual respect is essential to navigating these challenges.
Disturbingly, there are reports that banned student political groups may be seeking to exploit the current situation by inciting conflict between civilians and the police. There should be strong vigilance against these groups so that they may upt use this tragic moment for their own political gain. Instead, let us demonstrate national unity, compassion, and solidarity.
Lastly, urgent and comprehensive reforms must be undertaken to bolster security at the Secretariat. All entry and exit points should be brought under strengent surveillance with high-definition CCTV, video monitoring, and night-vision cameras. Only through vigilance, preparedness, and collective effort safety and security of the nation’s administrative hub.
