Yunus declared himself 'VVIP' two days before polls

A government gazette issued on Feb 10, two days before the 13th national election, declared then interim government chief advisor Muhammad Yunus a “Very Very Important Person” (VVIP) for one year from the date of handing over office.

The notification said the status was granted under Section 2(a) of the Special Security Force Act, 2021, entitling him to protection from the Special Security Force (SSF) for a year.

The gazette was issued by Md Saifullah Panna, then secretary to the Chief Advisor’s Office, who is now attached to the Ministry of Public Administration. He did not respond to repeated calls seeking comment, reports bdnews24.com.

Section 2(a) of the law allows the government to designate any individual as an “extremely important person” through a gazette notification, in addition to foreign heads of state or government. Former heads of government are not automatically entitled to SSF protection; such security takes effect only after a gazette is issued.

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.

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

Contacted for comment, Bangladesh Government Press Deputy Director Mohammad Abu Yusuf said the gazette had been printed based on documents sent by the Chief Advisor’s Office.

“It came from the Chief Advisor’s Office. As per their requirement, it was not uploaded to the website,” he said.

Asked whether non-publication online affects its validity, he said the decision on whether to upload a gazette rests with the concerned authority.

“If there is an instruction from the relevant office not to publish it, we do not upload it,” he said, adding that some gazettes may be withheld online for confidentiality reasons.

He maintained that the notification was issued following “due process”.

Officials from the former chief advisor’s press team declined to comment, saying they were no longer in office.

Security Provisions Under VVIP Status

Under 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, and security arrangements for domestic and foreign travel are 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.