The decision to restrict journalists' access to the Secretariat was taken in view of the safety and security of the Key Point Installation (KPI), which was hit by a devastating fire this week, said Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
The government will soon review the existing press accreditation cards and invite fresh applications from all the local and international news outlets for the Press Information Department to issue new accreditation cards, it added.
In the meantime, temporary daily access cards will be issued by respective ministries for any press events.
The government regrets the inconvenience and seeks cooperation from journalists.
On Friday, the government has cancelled all types of temporary (for private individuals) Secretariat access passes except for the permanent access pass (Digital Access Control System) issued to officials and employees working at the Secretariat and temporary access passes issued to government officials and employees.
The government has also cancelled access to the Secretariat through accreditation cards issued to journalists until further orders, said an official handout.
A press release signed by Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Home Affairs, on Friday (27 December) said holders of cancelled Secretariat access passes of various categories can apply for a new temporary access pass within the next 15 days through a special cell established at Bangladesh Police, Crime Command and Control Center, DMP, 15 Abdul Gani Road, Dhaka.
The order has been issued in view of the disturbance to the Secretariat’s security caused by the fire incident at the Secretariat.
