Lifetime SSF security for Bangabandhu family

The cabinet yesterday approved in principle the ‘Father of the Nation’s Family Members Security Act 2009 providing lifetime security for family members of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with immediate effect.
The approval was given at a regular weekly meeting of the cabinet at Bangladesh Secretariat with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, eldest daughter of the slain leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in the chair.
“Under the law, each of the family members of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will get well-secured accommodation facilities and other security measures and services,” Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad said briefing journalists after the meeting.
He said the meeting also approved International Crimes (Tribunal) Amendment Act, 2007 providing the option to hold trial of those who committed crimes against humanity including killing, rape and arson during the liberation war.
Azad said after the brutal assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a vested group has been hatching conspiracy to kill his family members, particularly his eldest daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“Attempts have been made many times to assassinate Sheikh Hasina, which still continues,” he said.
Azad said the plotters in recent time also took a number of attempts on Sheikh Hasina’s life including the heinous grenade attack on her on August 21, 2004.
Under the circumstances, the draft law was placed before the cabinet meeting for approval with a view to providing protection to the members of Sheikh Mujib’s family, he said.
He said the law has been formulated in line with previous legislation enacted in 2001, when the Awami League was in power. But after assuming power, the BNP-led four party alliance government had repealed the law.
Azad said all security measures approved by the law would come into force immediately.
The cabinet meeting also approved in principle the Mobile Court Act, 2009, National Information and Communication Technology Policy, 2009, Fish Feed and Animal Fodder Act, 2009 and the signing of Letter of Intend with India to take the facilities of Duty Free Tariff Preference offered b y India.
The meeting was attended by cabinet members, advisers to the Prime Minister and States Ministers. Cabinet secretary, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister and secretaries concerned were also present.

Courtesy of The New Nation