Bangladesh to launch US-trained police unit during PM Manmohan Singh's visit

DHAKA: Bangladesh police is set to launch a US-trained special commando unit with its initial task of providing security to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his upcoming Dhaka visit next month, a media report said today.

The mass-circulation Samakal newspaper said a 26-member team of the unit to be called Crisis Response Team (CRT) would be fielded coinciding with the Indian premier's scheduled September 6-7 visit.

Police spokesman Manirul Islam confirmed the report saying CRT would work along with other law enforcement and security agencies including the Indian Special Protection Group and Bangladesh's elite Special Security Force.

"The elite CRT members received long and extensive training in the United Stats... they are also provided with sophisticated US weapons and outfits," he said.

Meanwhile, officials familiar with the security arrangements said an advanced SPG team already reached Dhaka and finalised security plans with their SSF counterparts.

They said Bangladesh army's President Guard Regiment and elite-anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion will have a key role in providing security to Singh.