Foreign Firms Get Fast-Track Police Access Amid Security Concerns
Foreign investors in Bangladesh will now have direct access to emergency communication lines designated by the police, enabling them to swiftly report any security threats and receive prompt assistance. The initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring the safety of foreign enterprises operating in the country.
The announcement was made during a joint meeting on Monday, presided over by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmood bin Harun. The session followed recent unrest during protests over the Gaza conflict, in which the offices of several multinational companies in Bangladesh were attacked.
Representatives from six affected companies—Nestlé Bangladesh, Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages, Unilever Bangladesh, Bata Shoe Company Bangladesh, Reckitt Benckiser Bangladesh, PepsiCo, and Jubilant FoodWorks Bangladesh—shared their firsthand experiences of vandalism, damages, and operational disruptions.
In response, the IGP's office confirmed that a dedicated emergency contact line would be established for these companies, allowing them immediate access to police assistance. "We are not here just to respond," said IGP Baharul Alam. "We are here to build confidence and ensure such incidents do not happen again."
The discussion also resulted in the formulation of a coordinated protection plan involving BIDA, the police, and business organizations. This includes updated security protocols, rapid response units, and improved crisis communication mechanisms.
BIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmood emphasized the significance of the joint meeting, saying, "Having the IGP, senior police officials, and BIDA representatives sit together with investors is not only timely but unprecedented. This is not just a courtesy call—it sends a clear message that Bangladesh stands with its investors, especially during times of crisis."
He added, "These companies provide livelihoods for thousands of workers and their families. While the right to protest exists, destroying the institutions that ensure employment, stability, and growth is not the answer."
