The government has formed an 11-member task force to determine the course of action regarding foreign nationals residing illegally in Bangladesh. The additional secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Security Services Division has been appointed as the chairperson, and a joint secretary as the secretary of the task force. The relevant notification was issued today, Monday, by the Security Services Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The notification states that the additional secretary of the Security Services Division (Security and Immigration) has been appointed as the chairperson of the task force, and the joint secretary (Immigration-2 branch) of the same division has been appointed as the secretary.
The other members of the task force include the Director General of the Office of the Chief Adviser, the Director General (Consular) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Joint Secretary (Political-1 Branch) from the Public Security Division. Additionally, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Immigration) from the Special Branch (SB), the Additional Director General (Passport, Visa & Immigration) from the Department of Immigration and Passports, and the Director (Operations Wing) from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are part of the committee. Other members are the Director of the NGO Affairs Bureau, the Director (External Relations & Liaison Wing) from the National Security Intelligence Directorate, and the Director (External Affairs & Liaison Bureau) from the Directorate General of Defense Intelligence.
The notification further states that the task force will coordinate and provide advice on all activities related to foreign nationals residing illegally in Bangladesh. The committee will have the authority to take necessary actions, issue instructions, and make recommendations on the matter. It can also invite any officer or individual to attend its meetings and, if needed, co-opt members.
Liberty News’ national correspondent reports that the government set a deadline of January 31st for foreign nationals residing illegally in Bangladesh to legalize their stay. After this deadline, several decisions have been made regarding actions to be taken. As part of this process, a task force has been formed.
LND/SAKIB
