The National Committee for Intelligence Coordination is the principal forum used by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for matters of national security and co-ordination between intelligence agencies. Since its inception under Sheikh Hasina, the function of the council has been to advise and assist the prime minister on national security and foreign policies. The committee also serves as the prime minister's principal arm for co-ordination, integration of intelligence on foreign, defence, and internal security matters by bringing together the principal civilian and military intelligence outfits. The council has counterparts in the Joint Intelligence Committee of many other nations.