Strengthen security for Khaleda, BNP tells government

The BNP has asked the government to ramp up security for its chief Khaleda Zia when she returns home, in view of what it calls a worsening law and order situation.

Khaleda, who leads the 20-Party alliance, is scheduled to fly back from London on Saturday.

She went to London on Sep 16 for treatment and has been staying there with her elder son Tarique Rahman’s family.

BNP spokesperson Asaduzzaman Ripon in a media statement on Friday said his party was “concerned about the security” of the former prime minister.

“The law and order situation has deteriorated... We urge the government to increase security for her,” he said.

Ripon said on Thursday the party chief would return home on Saturday “without finishing her treatment” in view of the “crisis in Bangladesh”.

The ruling Awami League has been holding Khaleda responsible for the recent murder of two foreigners and the killing of as many policemen at checkposts in Dhaka.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has alleged the BNP chief is plotting to destabilise the country in order to thwart the war crimes trials.

But the BNP counters the accusation by saying that the government is making a scapegoat of it after having failed to ensure public security.