Bonikbarta Exclusive

In the recent violence, important KPI installations such as the capital's metro rail, BTV office, Narsingdi district jail, Mayor Hanif flyover, and others experienced arson and vandalism. Fires were set at various electrical substations, the bridge building, the disaster management building, and the BRTA office. Various statements have come from the government regarding the damage and necessary repairs from these incidents. However, overriding these statements is the question of security management failures at these critical installations.

Many experts believe that the major factor behind the damage to these installations was the failure to fully follow the security management policies for KPIs.

Security analyst Brigadier General M Sakhawat Hussain told Bonik Barta, "There are clear instructions for ensuring the security of KPI installations. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are provided for this. These include guidelines on who is responsible, when duties will be performed, when open fire is permitted, and what types of weapons can be used. It is not possible to provide the same level of security at all KPIs. The specific level of security required for different types of KPIs has been determined. Institutions like BTV, Radio Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Bank are considered high-priority. The attack on Narsingdi district jail, where the jailer and a minimum of 70-80 police personnel are stationed, required no immediate instructions. The Ministry of Home Affairs, police, army, and BGB have lists of these institutions and policies for their security. Investigations must be conducted to understand why security was not ensured in these recent incidents."

The security of KPIs is crucial for national security. In 1997, the 'Instruction for Security of KPIs in Bangladesh' was formulated in English, considering national security. Later, the need to update and draft it in Bengali led to the creation of the KPI Security Policy-2013. The President, government offices, official residences, and important government establishments are included in the KPI. Additionally, any institution or factory designated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, or establishments used for public interest, even institutions important to the national economy, fall under the KPI. There are 587 KPI installations in the country.

Various government sources indicate that KPI Management System monitoring is conducted through the SB headquarters, involving police superintendents from 64 districts, metropolitan deputy commissioners (DCs), and KPI officials. Regular communication is maintained with all KPI heads and security officers via email and telephone.

According to the policy, first and second-class security measures are prescribed for KPI installations. The KPI security policy mentions two classes of security. The first class includes guidelines such as obtaining opinions or clearance from the KPI for any underground sewer line or tunnel construction within 20 meters of the KPI. Continuous monitoring must be ensured for installations from where secret photos can be taken or firearms can be targeted. KPI gates must be highly secured, and their height should be consistent with the boundary wall. Patrolling officers must be able to keep constant visual surveillance outside the gate, and sufficient gaps must be left for this purpose.

First-class security is categorized into three types (A, B, and C). Additionally, various security rings are mentioned under second-class security. Specific responsibilities are outlined for each role in these security measures. Despite this, many believe that there are flaws in KPI security.

To enhance the security and monitoring of KPIs in the country, KPI Management Software was developed under the supervision of the police's special branch (SB). This software has been operational since last year. Beyond traditional methods, security instructions can be issued through this system with a single click. Despite all these measures, how the attacks occurred is a subject of investigation.

DIG (Crime Management) of the police headquarters Joydeb Kumar Bhadra told Bonik Barta, "There is a government policy for the security of KPI institutions. Security is provided categorically according to this policy. However, these institutions must apply to the government to be included in the KPI list. After thorough verification, if the application is accepted, the institution is provided security according to its category."

Many of the country's mega power projects, large substations, and continuously operating (baseload) power plants are located in and around the capital.

Regarding the security of the power sector, Senior Secretary of the Power Division Habibur Rahman told Bonik Barta, "The KPI installations within the power sector are secure. Armed Ansar personnel, ranging from 80 to 100, are stationed at these sites. However, considering recent events, we are working on how to enhance security."

State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid stated that various institutions in the power sector incurred a loss of BDT 1 billion due to arson. This violence caused damage to the Cherag Ali office of Tongi in Gazipur, its substation, Japan Garden City substation, Azimpur substation, Narsingdi Rural Electrification Association-1, its regional office, Madaripur Rural Electrification Association, Narayanganj Rural Electrification Association-2, and various vehicles of the power sector.

On July 19, Mirpur-10 and Kazipara stations of the metro rail were vandalized. These stations were severely damaged. The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) investigation committee has begun assessing the formal damage to this KPI institution. However, senior officials of the metro rail declined to comment on security matters.