The Directorate General of Forces Intelligence is mulling over using drones for intelligence surveillance in ‘important’ areas.
The government agency disclosed its plan in a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on defence ministry held at the parliament complex in the city.
According to the minutes of the meeting, the agency has the plan to use Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, popularly known as drones, to collect intelligence information during an adverse situation as well as to beef up security in important areas.
Besides, the agency also has planned to undertake anti-drone solution.
When approached, committee member Hosne Ara Begum told the Prothom Alo after coming out of the meeting that the DGFI has informed the meeting about its plan to use drones and the meeting has given the go-ahead.
Committee chairman and ruling Awami League MP Mohammad Shubid Ali Bhuiyan, however, claimed that the committee meeting discussed nothing about drones.
The minutes of meeting further said 37 jeeps, six pick-up vans, 27 cars, and a microbus was bought last year for more smooth performance of the DGFI as the prime minister gave approval for opening of eight fresh branches of the agency.
Temporary construction of the branches have already started in rented premises in Satkhitra, Dinajpur, Noakhali, Narayanganj, and Patuakhali.
The minutes further stated that the agency has also submitted proposal for 20 more branches to widen its’ intelligence activities and military diplomacy.
Moreover, one acre of the agency’s three and a half acre land at Kakrail was handed over to the International Mother Language Institute.
It was also said in the meeting that the project of Tk 150 crore was approved by ECNEC for accommodation of DGFI officials and members.
Besides, the prime minister has approved 30 per cent special allowance for all the members of the intelligence agency.
Source: Prothom Alo