The government is fully arranging the security system of the Bangladesh Secretariat, the heart of the administration. Not just CCTV, this time artificial intelligence (AI), drones, RFID, biometrics and digital passes are being added. The new smart watch will recognize the faces of people visiting the secretariat, scan cars and report suspicious movements.
According to sources in the Public Security Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs, 624 cameras will be installed in the first phase. Among them, 43 face detection cameras will detect faces, 20 bullet cameras will monitor from a distance, four PTZ cameras will move around and take pictures of the entire area. There will be seven drone cameras in the sky.
Besides, AI-based sophisticated cameras will sit at 99 important points. These cameras will not only record videos, but also recognize faces, identify vehicle numbers and analyze suspicious behavior. An alarm will sound in the monitoring room if an unknown person or unauthorized vehicle tries to enter. The image of the suspect will be uploaded directly to the central server. If similar movements are seen later, the law enforcement forces will take immediate surveillance.
On December 25, 2023 at 3 pm, the incident of fire in building number 7 of the Secretariat gave a big shock to the administration. Investigation shows that most of the cameras are broken, baggage scanners are useless. After that, the rush to modernize security began.
A joint secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, on condition of anonymity, said that the purchase of cameras will start once the allocation is received in the budget of the current financial year. The project will work under the name Secretariat Security Modernization. There are also plans to add biometric access control, visitor management systems, fire alarm integration and automated entry gates in the future. AI cameras and data analysis can predict potential risks. However, personal privacy and data protection must also be ensured.
RFID in cars
Modern technology-based surveillance and access control systems are being introduced in the secretariat to strengthen security. For this purpose, AI-based baggage scanners and archways are being installed at the four gates of the Secretariat. These devices will be able to quickly scan bags and persons and detect various contraband including drugs, small arms. As a result, it will be easier to identify potential security risks at the entrance itself.
State-of-the-art vehicle scanners are also being installed at vehicle entrances. If a suspicious object or dangerous material is detected inside a vehicle, the alarm will automatically sound and the entry of the respective vehicle will be stopped. Authorities claim that this scanner can currently detect 500 milliliters or more of drugs. In the future, there are plans to increase the capacity of the technology to detect drugs up to 10 grams.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is also being added to the vehicle management of the Secretariat. Vehicles approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs will be fitted with special RFID stickers. The long-range reader installed at the gate will automatically detect the sticker information and the gate will open for authorized vehicles. This will make the entry process faster and safer, while also reducing the risk of unauthorized vehicle entry.
Another important aspect of the new technology is the ability to detect the number of passengers in the vehicle. Through this it will be possible to stop the access of additional persons to the Secretariat using the pass of an officer or employee. That is, more strictness and transparency can be ensured in the entry control system.
Apart from this, new restrictions are being imposed on the carrying of various items in the Secretariat. In particular, there are plans to clamp down on plastic bottles, products or other portable items. The concerned authorities feel that the overall security system of the Secretariat will be strengthened if modern scanning technology, RFID based vehicle management and strict access control are implemented together. This will significantly reduce the chances of unauthorized entry, carrying contraband and security risks.
Pass and timed entry
Visitor management is also being brought under a fully digital platform. The new system will make online registration mandatory for entry into the Secretariat. Applicant's National Identity Card (NID) will be verified at the time of registration and identity will be verified through biometric information as required. After verification, visitors will be issued a temporary digital pass with QR code, which can be used for the specified time and purpose.
With this modern system, complete information about who, when, how often and for what purpose entered the Secretariat will be automatically saved. The concerned authorities will get automatic notification if a person enters unusually frequently or if anything suspicious is observed in his movement pattern. At the same time, the security risk will be assessed by analyzing the time-based data of visitors' entry and exit.
When the 'time-based entry and exit' system is introduced, an officer can issue visitor passes for a specified period. If necessary, it will be possible to allow entry for only one hour or less. An automatic message will be sent to the visitor's mobile phone before the scheduled time is over, so that he can be aware of the deadline. The pass will be automatically deactivated after the time has passed and reauthorization will be required if necessary.
The officials concerned are of the opinion that such a technology-based system will strengthen the security of the secretariat and make visitor management more transparent, controlled and effective. At the same time, unauthorized access, intrusion attempts and security risks will be significantly reduced.
Professor of Electrical and Electronic Techniques Department of Dhaka University. Syed Mahmud Ullah said, “Cameras with infrared sensors are the most effective now. Works in the dark, captures body temperature, detects even small animals. If properly installed and maintained, it will last for 8-10 years.”
Former IGP Muhammad Nurul Huda said, “Security is not just a matter of machinery, it is a strategic culture. As much as planning is important, implementation is not as important. This is the weakness. This weakness does not suit a place like the secretariat.”
Former IGP Baharul Alam said, “Many people entered the secretariat during the interim government. There were fires. These were threats, but it did not appear to be planned sabotage. The prime minister regularly holds office here, so VIP security is logical. But the secretariat is a public office. People will come to work. Entry can be controlled, not closed.”
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said, “The security of the secretariat has been given utmost importance.”
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Jasim Uddin said, “As the activities of the Prime Minister's office are centralized in the secretariat, security is being strengthened. The old equipment is being replaced with international standard technology. Every entrance and movement will be under constant surveillance.”
An official of the Ministry of Home Affairs, who did not wish to be named, said that despite spending crores of rupees, low-quality scanner-cameras have been installed. There is CCTV, there is no footage. We have to get out of this situation. Under the new system, weapons or drugs in the car will be caught immediately.
A police officer serving in the secretariat said that if the advanced foreign technology and the sincere initiative of the administration are effectively used together, this model implemented in the secretariat can become a followable template for the security system of other government buildings and important installations in the country.
