The government has withdrawn special police escort facilities for 18 ministers, citing efforts to cut state spending, save fuel and address shortages of police personnel and vehicles. The measure was implemented gradually from last week after a government order, according to a report published on July 26, 2026. Special escorts remain in place for six senior ministers and one adviser to the prime minister because of the importance of their responsibilities.

Sources said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also decided to reduce the size of his own security convoy as part of the cost-cutting initiative. Mohammad Nazmul Huda, assistant personal secretary to the environment, forest and climate change minister, said the minister is now protected by only one gunman. Ministers whose escorts were removed will still receive personal gunmen, guards at official residences and necessary police protection during official trips outside the capital under existing rules.

A ministerial escort team normally includes a sub-inspector, four constables and a police pickup vehicle. Dhaka Metropolitan Police says 1,691 officers are assigned to protect 49 ministers, state ministers and important persons in the capital, against a requirement of 2,575. Several VIP security unit vehicles were damaged or destroyed during the July mass uprising, adding to operational pressure.