Prior to the national election on February 12, the interim government declared the then Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus as a “Very Very Important Person” (VVIP) for a period of one year starting from the date of the transfer of responsibilities.
The gazette was issued on February 10, 2026 -- two days before the 13th national election.
The Chief Adviser’s Office issued the gazette, signed by the then CA office secretary Md Saifullah Panna. Panna is currently attached to the public administration ministry.
Panna confirmed signing the document to Prothom Alo.
As a result of this designation, Dr Yunus will remain under the stringent security coverage of the Special Security Force (SSF) for a year.
The gazette said that he has been given this status as per Section 2(a) of the Special Security Force Act, 2021.
Section 2(a) of the law states, “‘Highly important person’ means the Head of State or Head of Government of a foreign country and includes any other person declared by the Government, by notification in the Official Gazette, to be such person for the purposes of this Act.”
The law does not automatically grant SSF protection to outgoing heads of state, unless they are declared VVIP.
The gazette was not publicised by the interim government. It was not uploaded to the Bangladesh Government Press website, which archives all gazettes issued by the government, and updates every day.
As a VVIP, Dr Yunus will now get SSF protection at his residence and workplace, according to the President, Prime Minister or Chief Adviser and Very Important Persons Security Rules, 2025.
All events attended by him will undergo security screening, and comprehensive security will be provided during all travels within Bangladesh and abroad, with coordination from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local embassies.
The SSF will also conduct background vetting of staff who come into regular contact with the VVIP, and the entry and exit of all visitors, vehicles, and objects at the VVIP's residence, office, or event venues will be strictly regulated by the force.
Dr Yunus left the State Guest House Jamuna on February 28, 2026, after living there for nearly 18 months.
After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, 2024, following the July uprising, the interim government was formed on August 8, with Dr Muhammad Yunus as chief adviser.
