Home ministry to merge two divisions

Two divisions of the Ministry of Home Affairs are set to merge in an effort to enhance efficiency and coordination in operations. 

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus issued the directive on Sunday, November 3. A letter has been sent from the Chief Adviser's office to the Cabinet Secretary to facilitate this merger.

This decision marks the reunification of the two divisions after nearly eight years of separation. 

The letter outlines that, given the scope of work, the need for greater coordination, and the significance of the 'Public Security Division' and 'Security Services Division,' the Chief Adviser has instructed their merger in the public interest. 

The Cabinet Division has been requested to take effective steps regarding the merger.

In light of this directive, a notification is expected to be issued by the Cabinet Division to formalise the merger of these two divisions within the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Currently, the Public Security Division oversees six agencies, while the Security Services Division manages four. Following the merger, the ministry will retain its name as the Ministry of Home Affairs, encompassing a total of ten organisations.

Under the Public Security Division, the agencies include the Directorate of Police, Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defense Forces, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Investigation Agency, International Criminal Tribunal, and the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC). 

The Security Services Division includes the Directorate of Immigration and Passport, Directorate of Prisons, Directorate of Bangladesh Fire Service, Directorate of Civil Defence, and Directorate of Narcotics Control.

Previously, on January 18, 2017, the Ministry of Home Affairs underwent reorganisation, leading to the establishment of these two divisions under the Rules of Business set forth by the Prime Minister. 

The divisions were initially created to improve operational efficiency.