Yunus followed due process in securing VVIP status, says ex-press secretary Shafiqul

Ex-press secretary says SSF order was procedural

The interim government chief advisor Muhammad Yunsu did not violate any laws in securing the protection of Special Security Force (SSF), his former press secretary Shafiqul Alam has said.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Shafiqul said Yunus followed all rules to assume the status of Very Very Important Person (VVIP).

“The chief advisor did not violate any laws in securing SSF protection following the formation of the new government on Feb 17,” he wrote.

“The order issued in this regard is a procedural requirement of the SSF, which does not provide security to a former head of government without such formal authorisation. This is neither unusual nor unprecedented,” he added.

Shafiqul attached what he described as a similar order issued by the administration of Latifur Rahman in September 2001, shortly before he left office in October that year.

Latifur served as chief advisor in 2001.

The gazette notification declaring Yunus a VVIP for one year from the date of handing over office was issued on Feb 10, two days before the parliamentary polls.

However, Bangladesh Government Press Deputy Director Mohammad Abu Yusuf said the gazette was not made public following an instruction from the chief advisor’s office.

Government gazettes are generally published and archived on the Bangladesh Government Press website.

However, a review of the Extraordinary Gazettes (Monthly) archive for Feb 10, 2026, did not show the relevant notification.

Despite this, he maintained that the notification had been issued following “due process”.

Under established procedure, orders issued in the form of a gazette take effect upon publication in the Bangladesh Gazette and serve as official public records.

The notification said the status was granted under Section 2(a) of the Special Security Force Act, 2021.

According to the “Security Rules for the President, Prime Minister or Chief Advisor and Very Important Persons, 2025”, a person declared VVIP is entitled to SSF protection at their residence and workplace.

Events attended by them are subject to security screening, while domestic and foreign travel security is coordinated with the foreign ministry and relevant missions.

The SSF also conducts background checks on individuals coming into contact with VVIPs and regulates access to residences, offices and event venues.

Yunus assumed office as chief advisor on Aug 8, 2024, after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in a student-led mass uprising. After serving for nearly 18 months, he vacated the State Guest House Jamuna on Feb 28.