The government has officially declared BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia as a “Very Important Person” (VIP) and has assigned the Special Security Force (SSF) to provide her with enhanced protection.

A gazette notification to this effect was issued on Monday by the Chief Adviser’s Office.

The order was signed by Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, director general (Administration) of the Chief Adviser’s Office, on behalf of the president.

According to the notification, the decision has been taken under the authority granted by Section 2(a) of the Special Security Force (SSF) Act 2021.

It states that former prime minister Khaleda Zia is hereby designated as a “Very Important Person,” with the order coming into effect immediately.

Another notification extends special SSF protection to members of the Zia family as well.

Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka for several days due to various age-related complications.

News of her illness has drawn large crowds of party activists and members of the public to the hospital premises.

Although police have been deployed, the gathering has created challenges for maintaining a secure environment.