Who are VVIPs in Bangladesh and what privileges they receive

Bangladesh classifies certain citizens as VVIP, VIP and CIP to provide enhanced security and special state privileges. The administration maintains a ‘Red Book’ outlining these categories, under which only the President and the Prime Minister are designated as VVIPs.

VVIPs (Very Very Important Persons) and VIPs (Very Important Persons) are identified by the government based on their position, responsibility and state importance. CIPs (Commercially Important Persons) are selected separately by the National Board of Revenue for their contribution to trade and business.

According to Bangladeshi law, individuals whose security concerns could endanger the state or cause national instability fall under the VVIP or VIP category. Alongside the President and Prime Minister receive special protection under separate legislation.

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Khaleda Zia gets special security as govt declares her ‘VVIP’

On Monday (1 December), the government declared BNP chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia an ‘VVIP’. The notification was issued by the Chief Adviser’s Office on the President’s order.

How VVIP status is given

Those holding high state office or involved in key policy or administrative functions may receive the designation. The government may also confer the status through a gazette notification. Section 2 of the Special Security Force Act, 2021, states that VVIPs include foreign heads of state or government and any other individuals declared as such for security purposes.

What privileges they receive

Under the Special Security Force Act, 2021, the SSF is responsible for the physical protection of all VVIPs, including those officially declared by the government. The force conducts intelligence-gathering, risk assessment and all necessary measures to ensure their safety.

The SSF is empowered to arrest, without warrant, anyone deemed a threat to a VVIP’s security anywhere in the country. In extreme situations, the law permits the use of firearms, including lethal force, against individuals considered dangerous to a protected person.