Home ministry scraps protection directives for VIPs

The government has cancelled the ‘Protection Directive 2025,’ which outlined special security measures for important and prominent individuals, following a High Court order.

The decision was formalised in a directive issued on Sunday, March 9, by Md Aminul Islam, Deputy Secretary of the Political Branch-4, Public Security Department, Ministry of Home Affairs.

The order nullifies the directive originally issued on March 6. 

The High Court had earlier suspended the ‘Protection Directive 2025’ for three months and issued a suo motu rule questioning its legality.

The court also summoned Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nasimul Gani, to appear on March 18 and explain the directive’s issuance. In its remarks, the High Court stated that the directive insulted the Supreme Court. 

Supreme Court Senior Advocate Muhammad Shishir Manir confirmed the developments to journalists, noting, “The High Court has called the Senior Secretary to clarify the ‘Protection Guidelines 2025’ on providing special security to eminent persons.” 

The cancellation marks a swift response to judicial scrutiny of the controversial security provisions.