Restriction on journalists' entry to secretariat temporary: Home ministry

The decision regarding the entry of journalists to the secretariat is temporary, the Ministry of Home Affairs said today. 

A positive decision in this regard will be taken soon after discussion with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, according to a press release sent by Faisal Hassan, Public Relations Officer of the ministry, reports BSS.

"In view of the ongoing investigation into the fire incident at the secretariat, the above decision has been taken regarding the entry of the journalists." 

Yesterday (27 December), the ministry banned entry to the Bangladesh Secretariat for all, except the secretariat staff and government employees, for an indefinite period citing security reasons following the devastating fire in the administrative headquarters.

Even journalists with accreditation cards will not be able to enter the building until further notice, reads a press statement signed by Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, special assistant to the chief adviser.

In the interest of increasing the overall security of the Bangladesh Secretariat, all types of temporary entry passes issued to non-government employees have been cancelled, reads the press statement.

However, the permanent entry pass  - Digital Access Control System - issued to the officials and employees working in the secretariat, and the temporary access pass issued to the government officials and employees will remain active.

"Access to the secretariat through accreditation cards issued in favour of journalists is hereby cancelled until further orders," it adds.

However, holders of the cancelled secretariat entry passes can apply for a new temporary entry pass through the special cell set up at Bangladesh Police, Crime Command and Control Center, DMP, 15 Abdul Gani Road, Dhaka within the next 15 days.