In the wake of the killing of ruling Awami League MP from Gaibandha-1 Constituency Manzurul Islam Liton, lawmaker from both the Treasury and Opposition Benches on Monday demanded immediate foolproof security for them like Cabinet Members.
Taking part in the Namaz-e-Janaza of slain Liton at the South Plaza of National Parliament complex yesterday, Deputy Speaker Fazley Rabbi Mian and some lawmakers made the demand for security of all MPs.
Liton was shot dead by unidentified miscreants at his village home in Gaibandha district on December 31.
Most of the lawmakers reportedly have cancelled their tours outside Dhaka following the killing, fearing possible militant attacks.
They have decided not to meet party activists at their respective residences and offices until and unless their identities are confirmed by their personal security officers, according to sources.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said Liton was killed in a planned way.
She made this remark in the weekly meeting of the Cabinet held at Bangladesh Secretariat.
“The conspirators tarnished his (Liton) image first before killing him. The vested quarters, who don’t believe in the country’s Liberation War and Independence continue hatching conspiracy to kill the Awami League’s lawmakers. At least seven lawmakers were killed since 1975 to till date,” quoting Sheikh Hasina, a Minister said.
Deputy Speaker Fazley Rabbi Mian requested Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to ensure security to the lawmakers.
“Lawmakers are now suffering from insecurity following the latest killing of their fellow colleague Liton. Many of them have already applied for providing security personnel to them,” the Deputy Speaker said.
Earlier in the wake of deadly terror attacks, especially on Holey Artisan Bakery at Gulshan cafe in city on July 1, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had asked her cabinet members and lawmakers to move cautiously.
Fazley Rabbi Mian said some lawmakers have already employed ‘gunmen’ for their security.
“We want all lawmakers’ security. We are requesting the Prime Minister to provide security to the all MPs,” he said.
Replying to a query whether lawmakers will be isolated, he said the MPs do not move with the escort of security personnel.
“But the ministers have been provided all out security. Security is first to the all lawmakers right now,” the Deputy Speaker said.
Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif MP said the lawmakers have to go to their respective constituencies frequently as the peoples’ representatives, they need security.
“We want security,” he said.
Md. Nurul Islam Omar, opposition Jatiya Party MP from Bogra-6 Constituency said all lawmakers became concerned following Liton murder.
“Since I have received the Liton’s death news, we’ve become concerned about. We want security,” he added.
However, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said there is no security threat following the killing of lawmaker Monzurul Islam Liton.
“The government is not alarmed about security issue in the country, as law enforcers are working to identify the killers of Liton,” he told journalists.
Earlier, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid their rich tributes to slain Awami League lawmaker from Gaibandha-1 Constituency Manzurul Islam Liton as his coffin was brought at the Jatiya Sangsad premises.
The President and the Prime Minister placed wreaths on Liton’s coffin after the Namaz-e-Janaza was held at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
President’s military secretary Major General Md Sarwar Hossain laid a wreath on Liton’s coffin draped in national flag on behalf of the head of the state.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina then placed a wreath on the coffin stood in solemn silence there for sometime as a mark of respect to the memory of Liton.
Flanked by senior party leaders, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina also placed another wreath on the coffin of Liton.
Deputy Speaker Fazley Rabbi Mian, Chief Whip ASM Feroz and other Whips also placed wreaths on the coffin.
On behalf of Opposition Leader in Jatiya Sangsad Begum Raushan Ershad, Opposition Whip Md Nurul Islam Omar placed a wreath on the coffin.
Later, a munajat was offered seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of the slain AL lawmaker. Pesh Imam of Jatiya Sangsad Mosque Moulana Nurul Islam conducted the munajat.
Earlier, the Namaz-e-Janaza of Liton was held at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
A large number of people, including Ministers, Whips, MPs, and Awami League leaders, attended the janaza.
