Govt to investigate surveillance gear, lethal weapons procurement

The interim government has formed a committee to investigate the procurement and use of surveillance equipment during Awami League’s tenure, amid concerns over potential violations of citizens’ rights.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, will lead the probe committee.

The decision was announced by Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam during a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy following a Council of Advisers meeting.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were also present at the briefing.

Citing recent media reports, Alam stated that the former government used illegal surveillance tactics to suppress freedom of speech and infringe on civil liberties.

“The committee will investigate how much money was spent, where the surveillance equipment was sourced from and how it was used. The entire process will be scrutinized,” he said.

He also revealed that the government is investigating the procurement and use of lethal weapons by law enforcement agencies.

“We are looking into how these weapons were purchased and whether their use was justified,” he added.

According to media reports, between 2016 and 2024, various law enforcement bodies including National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre (NTMC), police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) purchased surveillance equipment worth over Tk 1,382 crore. These reports were based on import records and contract agreements.

The Council of Advisers meeting was chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and held at Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon.