Despite Bangladesh Secretariat being a designated Key Point Installation (KPI) area, ongoing protests by various groups are raising serious security concerns, according to multiple officials.
Located at the heart of the government's administrative operations, the Secretariat has witnessed daily demonstrations by government and non-government employees demanding various rights and benefits.
These protests have intensified following the formation of the interim government after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's administration.
Officials report that the protests have placed the Secretariat's security at risk, as the normally secure area has become a hotbed for demonstrations. "We have never seen such incidents where protesters breach the Secretariat. This is alarming, especially since this area is a KPI. The law enforcement's silence is concerning," several officials said on Wednesday.
The protests are largely driven by those who were denied promotions or benefits during the Awami League government, as well as temporary employees seeking permanent positions.
Since last week, the Secretariat's main entrance has been the site of human chains, processions, and loud slogans.
Inside the Secretariat, both cadre and non-cadre officials who were passed over for promotions have been staging rallies and meetings. These protests have not been limited to the Secretariat alone; similar demonstrations are being reported at various other government offices, where employees are pressuring department heads for redress.
On Tuesday, hundreds of HSC and equivalent exam candidates stormed the Secretariat, demanding the cancellation of their remaining exams. Around 2:00pm, they forced their way through the Zero Point gate, overcoming police resistance.
The students later gathered outside the office of the Secretary of Education, demanding an end to the exams. Following discussions, Dhaka Education Board Chairman Tapan Kumar Sarkar announced the cancellation of the exams. However, the students continued to blockade officials inside the Secretariat until a formal notification was issued.
"This is unprecedented," one Secretariat official remarked. "We've never seen anything like this before. The Secretariat is supposed to be a secure area, yet protesters have breached it. This raises serious concerns about our security."
