National security information or material which requires the highest degree of protection. The test for assigning Secret classification is whether its unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to national security.
Examples of exceptionally grave damage include armed hostilities against Bangladesh or its allies, disruption of foreign relations vitally affecting national security, compromise of vital national defence plans or complex cryptologic and communications intelligence systems, the revelation of sensitive intelligence operations, and disclosure of scientific or technological developments vital to national security.
At a security conference in Dhaka, various research fellows raised their concerns about the Sheikh Hasina regime’s reluctant posture to safeguard the nation in favour of Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi’s India. Even the security of the Rooppur nuclear power plant was ignored, and various corrupt contracts were awarded to India. A revised travel arrangement between India and Bangladesh was signed to allow Indian nationals to work in Bangladesh on almost any project.
High-Security Infrastructure Projects
Those physical facilities, supply chains, information technologies, and communication networks that, if destroyed, degraded, or rendered unavailable for an extended period, would significantly impact the nation’s social or economic well-being or affect the ability to conduct national defence, economic activities, and national security.
To protect information about critical infrastructure assets. This means that it is an offence to disclose information about these assets, even if you are a responsible entity, unless your disclosure complies with Bangladeshi laws.
National security projects include the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Elevated Highways, Metro Rails and other major Power plants and the Information technology infrastructure of banks.
Sheikh Hasina’s blatant violation of national security in favor of India
The former prime minister of Bangladesh, who has found refuge in India since her forced departure on August 5, had forged a privileged relationship with her counterpart, Narendra Modi. Today, however, her presence is causing Delhi to fear a loss of influence to China.
The security clearance process in Bangladesh is not just a formality, but a crucial step in protecting national security. It involves thoroughly assessing an individual’s eligibility to access classified information. This process is significant for expatriates and companies interested in working in Bangladesh, as it is a key requirement for conducting business and work in the country.
Two institutions under the Home Ministry, such as SB (Special Branch) and NSI (National Service Intelligent), conduct security clearance reports. If the report is positive, the respective foreigner can work and stay for five years in the same company through yearly work permit extensions.
Obtaining security clearances is a crucial step for expatriates planning to work in nations such as Bangladesh. The hosting company must be registered with BIDA and RJSC to protect both individual and national security. Government agencies such as the Special Branch Office (SB) and National Security Intelligence (NSI) thoroughly analyze and verify all pertinent papers, ensuring a secure environment while allowing business operations.
Detailed evidence found that the Sheikh Hasina regime allowed Indian nationals to work on a project that was of national security importance to Bangladesh.
When Security Clearance is not obtained, the consequences are significant. The immigration authority provides visa extensions for a maximum of three (3) months. If an applicant fails to secure security clearance, the authority may consider providing a 3-month extension. However, once security clearance is received, the visa authority verifies the validity of the work permit and provides the visa. This underscores the critical role that security clearance plays when assessing visa extensions and eligibility.
Fall of the Hasina regime
Sheikh Hasina became Bangladesh’s prime minister for the first time after her Awami League party won the 1996 elections. Her second stint in power began in 2009 and was marked by impressive economic growth.
But she was accused of becoming a hardline leader and cracking down on dissent. Her 15-year rule is also known for human rights violations. The United States placed sanctions on the elite Rapid Action Battalion, linked to disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
On 5th August, following weeks of protests, the 76-year-old resigned and fled the country to India.
Corruption in civil services
There is substantial evidence of widespread corruption as civil servants progress through their careers. Bangladesh ranked 149 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, a leading global indicator of public sector corruption.
Bribery is the most prevalent issue. Throughout Hasina’s tenure, many civil servants engaged in activities such as sharing insider stock information and removing names from lists of those accused of misappropriating funds. Her government kept penalties for corruption relaxed, and even changed the official rules to this effect.
In 2018, for example, the government introduced “reprimand” as a penalty for proven corruption. However, this has often been limited to a simple job transfer, a reduction in salary or a demotion. All equate to a slap on the wrist, given the punishment would be termination of contract in any other sector.
Leaked conversations of Salman F Rahman, awarding security clearance to Indians
Law minister Anisul Huq on Sunday said that the government would investigate the recent leak of his telephone conversation about government projects with Salman F Rahman, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s private industry and investment adviser.
The leaked conversation between Salman F Rahman and the law minister went viral on social media last week about a project called ‘Info Sarkar’.
Leaked conversations between the former minister and special branch officers show Salman F Rahman asking the particular branch to ignore evidence, stop investigations and award national security clearance to Indian nationals.
Hasina’s regime’s actions were detrimental to Bangladesh’s national security. Multiple pieces of evidence show that Indian nationals were issued security clearance without following due processes.
What is the process of obtaining a national security clearance?
Here, we have shared relevant information needed for security clearance from both SB (Special Branch) and NSI (National Service Intelligent) of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The procedures for obtaining a security clearance are available in the Direction of Security Clearance, FORM 2 and the list of information checklist below;
- Application form, Appointment letter, Board Resolution
- Contract Paper, Chain of ends client relations (if any)
- Appointment certificate from concern ministry (NOC).
- Updated CV/Resume of the applicant
- Recommendation from the institution.
- Previous Security Clearance.
- Visa recommendation (LOR)
- Permission letter of the institution.
- Photocopy of the full passport and visa of the employee.
- Bank Account & Bank Statement/Salary Statement
- Update Trade License (Photocopy)
- Any other documents (if required)
What is a No Objection Certificate (NOC)?
A NOC, or No Objection Certificate, is a document issued by the Home Ministry that allows a foreign national to work and stay in Bangladesh. The NOC is typically required for foreign nationals working in sensitive or government-related positions. The process for obtaining security clearance and a NOC in Bangladesh is as follows:
- The employer must submit an application to the Home Ministry.
- The application must include the following documents:
- A copy of the foreign national’s passport
- A copy of the foreign national’s work permit
- A copy of the foreign national’s CV
- A letter from the employer stating the purpose of the foreign national’s employment in Bangladesh
- The Home Ministry will review the application and may conduct an investigation.
- If the application is approved, the Home Ministry will issue a NOC.
- Who are Eligible for Security Clearance in Bangladesh
- Fees for Security Clearance in Bangladesh
- Processing Time for Security Clearance
This entire process can be completed within 7-14 working days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority; however, it takes 25-60 working days, depending on the requirements.
Hasina’s Awami League won several general elections amid vote-rigging allegations and favoring Hindu Nationalist Modi. After winning 96 percent of the votes, Hasina secured a third consecutive term.
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