The interim government in Bangladesh has decided to scrap the law which ensures additional security for the family members of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by considering it a ‘discriminatory policy’.
Following the decision, former PM Sheikh Hasina and her family members will no longer enjoy special security.
The interim cabinet decided to scrap the law in its fourth meeting on Thursday following a proposal by the Public Security Division of the Home Ministry, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan, told bdnews24.com.
“This [interim] government is an outcome of the Anti-discrimination Movement. The security agencies do not feel this special security system is needed and it seems to be a discriminatory law. On this ground, the law will be repealed,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina’s former Awami League government passed the “Father of the Nation Security of Family Members Act, 2009 (Act No. 63 of 2009)” following a victory in the ninth general elections of the country.
Besides, the law had provisions for safe residence and other necessary benefits for each family member. A gazette was issued in May 2015 to provide special security and facilities as per the law, bdnews24.com.
Amid violent protests, Sheikh Hasina escaped to India earlier this month, creating a political vacuum in the country.
The student protest which was initially held against job quota soon spiralled to violent protests demanding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina.
The protests left over 300 people dead in the South Asian country which voted Hasina to power for another term in January.
Following Hasina’s immediate exit from Bangladesh, the country’s President Mohammad Shahabuddin dissolved the parliament.
Hasina is now facing 75 cases including murder charges.
Latest case against Hasina
A fresh case has been filed against 35 people, including former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, in connection with the killing of journalist Hasan Mahmud.
Hasan Mahmud’s wife, Fatema, filed the complaint with Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mahbubul Haque’s court on Thursday, Dhaka Tribune reported.
The court accepted the complaint and directed the Khilgaon police to register the case.
