Special Branch (Bangladesh)

Countries first / ancient and historic intelligence agency, The Special Branch is the prime intelligence agency of Bangladesh. This agency is the main component of the country's intelligence community. Chief of this specialized intelligence agency SB is of the rank of Additional Inspector General (Addl IGP) who comes from Bangladesh Police, and directly reports to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The agency has around 64 district based offices, called District Special Branch (DSB) and also has offices in many Upazilla / Thana areas. All the members are recruited from Bangladesh Police. The SB (Special Branch) has twelve different sections through which it carries out the directives of the Government. Interestingly, this is the only intelligence outfit of Bangladesh which works in all strategic, operational and tactical levels. The organization also has the capability to work within and outside the country.

The present Additional Inspector General of Police (Add IGP) is Mr. Zabed Patwary. He replaced Add IGP Dr. Baharul Alam. The Head Quarter is 10 Storied building located at Malibagh, Razarbagh, Dhaka, is known as KPI (Key point Installation). The most important wing of the force charged with security planning as well as functions of intelligence-gathering and counterintelligence. There is City Special Branch (City SB) for the city areas and District Special Branch (DSB) for the districts. Major responsibilities of this branch are to meet up any intelligence required from government, registration and control of foreigners, perform verification role, give protection to the VIPs, intelligence gathering, immigration controls etc.