ATU, CTTC to be renamed 'Special Security Unit'

The government is considering a proposal to reorganise and rename two specialised police units — the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) and the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) — as the 'Special Security Unit' (SSU).

According to Police Headquarters sources, a proposal to rename the ATU as the 'Special Security Unit (SSU)' was sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs on June 7. The following day, on June 8, a letter was sent to the DMP Commissioner to take necessary measures to rename the DMP's CTTC as the 'Special Security Unit-DMP (SSU-DMP)'.

AIG of Police Headquarters Media and Public Relations Division A H M Shahadat Hossain said the organisational restructuring proposal aims to strengthen the effectiveness of the units, while their existing security-related responsibilities will remain.

The police proposal states that the nature of security threats has changed due to artificial intelligence (AI), the widespread use of the internet and rapid advancements in information technology. Militant and extremist groups are now using online platforms for financing, recruitment, spreading rumours and creating sleeper cells. A modern, specialised security unit is needed to counter these new types of threats.

According to the proposal, the new 'Special Security Unit' will play a broader role not only in countering militancy but also in ensuring internal security, national stability and public safety. The use of an internationally recognised name will also facilitate coordination with foreign law enforcement agencies.

Additional IGP Khandkar Rafiqul Islam said a meeting has been held at the ministry, but the decision on the name change has not yet been finalised.