National Coordination Committee on Security and Social Stability formed with PM as chair

The government has reconstituted the ‘National Coordination Committee for Security and Social Stability’ with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as its chairman. The formation of the committee was announced in a notification signed by Additional Secretary of the Cabinet Division Md. Humayun Kabir on Sunday (May 17), which was published in the media on Monday.

According to the notification, the committee is chaired by the Prime Minister, the Home Minister as the vice-chairman and the chief coordinator is the Prime Minister’s Defense Advisor. Other members of the committee include the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, Inspector General of Police, Director Generals of DGFI, NSI, BGB, NTMC and RAB and Additional Inspector General of Police of Special Branch. The supporting officers are the Additional Inspector General of Police of CID and SSU and the Chief Officer of the Bangladesh Bank Financial Intelligence Unit.

The notification regarding the committee's mandate states that the committee will identify important issues related to security and social stability and formulate a comprehensive action plan. In addition, it will assess the country's security situation, set priorities and supervise inter-agency implementation. The committee is also responsible for reviewing existing laws and regulations, making recommendations for amendments or enactment of new laws if necessary, and taking measures to regularly supervise related organizations and online platforms.

The National Security Intelligence Directorate (NSI) will serve as the secretariat of the committee. However, any other intelligence agency or law enforcement agency can serve as the secretariat for a specified period as per the instructions of the chairman. According to the notification, the committee has come into effect immediately and meetings will be held as needed.