MPs demand gunmen for their protection as terror attacks raise alarm

A day after Leader of Opposition Raushon Ershad voiced concern over the safety of MPs, two of the legislators have vehemently sought armed protection.

Parliament Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 20 July 2016, 06:46 PM
Updated : 20 July 2016, 06:46 PM

Jatiya Party’s Kazi Firoz Rashid and JaSoD’s Moin Uddin Khan Badal, participating in an unlisted discussion in Parliament, made the demand in the light of the Gulshan and Sholakia attacks.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had said similar attacks could be staged and had urged everyone to be on their guard.

The police chief had also sent out text messages to ministers, asking them to be careful.

Law Minister Anisul Huq on Tuesday told journalists it was wise to be alert in the present situation.

Raising the issue in Parliament on Wednesday, Rashid said, “Ministers have been cautioned by the DMP. They have gunmen, and sentries are posted at their residences. Protection is given to them in their vehicles.”

“Where is our safety?” he asked, pointing to risks involved in the outdoor public engagements of MPs.

Ruling coalition partner JaSod’s Badal said bureaucrats enjoyed armed protection but MPs did not, adding that this arrangement violated the warrant of precedence.

“The warrant of precedence forbids any bureaucrat to be above a public representative”, he said.

“What is the protection of MPs? Should we stop going outdoors?” he asked.

“We are not afraid, but we do not want to die a disrespectful death”, he said.