Muhammad Yunus, the outgoing Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, declared himself a “VVIP” (Very Very Important Person) before stepping down, ensuring Special Security Force (SSF) protection for one year after handing over power.
The gazette regarding this declaration was issued on February 10, just two days before the 13th National Parliament election. However, the document is not currently available on the website of Bangladesh Government Press (BG Press), raising questions as all official gazettes are typically published there.
According to reports, under the gazette, Dr. Yunus will receive SSF security benefits for one year after leaving office. Earlier, during the interim government period, a notification under the Special Security Force Act 2021 introduced the “Security Rules 2025” for the President, Prime Minister, Chief Adviser, and VVIPs.
Yunus’s former Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, stated via his verified Facebook account that no law was violated in granting SSF protection. He described the order as a procedural requirement, noting that SSF does not provide security to former heads of government without formal approval.
The gazette was signed by then Secretary to the Chief Adviser’s Office, Md. Saifullah Panna. Meanwhile, on February 17, a new government led by Tarique Rahman took oath, marking the end of Yunus’s tenure.
Officials from BG Press said that sometimes specific instructions are given not to upload certain gazettes online, and this case followed such directives.
Yunus vacated his official residence on February 28. Having been sworn in on August 8, 2024, following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, he will now receive SSF security as a declared VVIP for one year.
Historically, former heads of government in Bangladesh do not usually receive SSF protection after leaving office. However, in 2001, Justice Latifur Rahman was granted similar status. More recently, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was also declared a VVIP and provided SSF security under interim arrangements.
