Army Security Unit (Bangladesh)

The Army Security Unit (সেনা নিরাপত্তা ইউনিট (Bengali), ASU) is a specialized security and intelligence formation of the Bangladesh Army, operating under the Army Headquarters' Logistics Area. Headquartered at Dhaka Cantonment, the unit is responsible for providing physical security to key military installations, personnel, and operations, as well as conducting counter-intelligence activities within the armed forces.^[1] It plays a critical role in safeguarding the internal security of the army, particularly in coordination with other intelligence and provost units.^[2]

The Army Security Unit traces its origins to the post-independence reorganization of the Bangladesh Army following the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. As part of the efforts to establish a robust internal security framework, the ASU was formed to address threats to military cohesion and installations amid the nascent nation's challenges. Over the decades, it has evolved into a key component of the army's logistics and security apparatus, with notable leadership including Lieutenant General Waker-Uz-Zaman, who served as its director during his tenure as a lieutenant colonel.

In recent years, the unit has been thrust into the spotlight due to its involvement in high-profile national security matters, including investigations related to enforced disappearances and political unrest in 2024–2025.^[3]

The primary roles of the Army Security Unit include:

• Providing physical security and protection to Army Headquarters and other critical installations in Dhaka Cantonment.
• Conducting counter-intelligence operations to prevent espionage and internal threats within the Bangladesh Army.
• Liaising with other military intelligence directorates, such as the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and Field Intelligence Unit (FIU), for comprehensive threat assessment.
• Supporting provost marshal functions in maintaining discipline and security protocols across army units.

The ASU operates in close coordination with the Army Military Police Unit and contributes to broader national security efforts, including VIP protection during military events.^[4]

The ASU is commanded by a brigadier general serving as Commandant, with headquarters at Dhaka Cantonment. It comprises specialized platoons and detachments focused on surveillance, rapid response, and intelligence gathering. The unit draws personnel from various army regiments, emphasizing expertise in security and intelligence disciplines.^[5][6]