DHAKA: Concern over Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s security in the wake of “subversive acts” in different parts of the country stoked up, especially because of some reported threat on her life on occasion.
Under the circumstances, all intelligence agencies are learnt to have been put on the alert to strengthen their vigilance.
According to Home Ministry sources, a number of meetings have been held in the ministry to thwart any subversive act and take measures ensuring the Prime Minister’s safety.
The government suspects that anti-liberation Jamaat-Shibir group is unleashing threat on her life, instigated by main opposition BNP, according to the sources.
Meanwhile, PM Sheikh Hasina has long been alleging that her life was under threat. The matter became clear following the grenade attack on an Awami League rally on August 21, 2004 that was a close call for her.
Security agencies’ sources said security measures for the premier have been beefed up after the carnage at Pilkhana BDR Headquarters.
But, later, Hasina herself on several occasions in last June and July expressed her presentiment that her life was under a looming threat.
Thereafter, Home Minister Sahara Khatun repeatedly blamed the BNP-Jamaat combine for trying to eliminate the Prime Minister.
Lastly, Hasina was learnt to have expressed her apprehension again about her life as well lives of some of her cabinet colleagues at the Cabinet meeting last Monday, prompting the security agencies to concentrate on the exigencies.
There have been some opposite thoughts, albeit.
A top army official, wishing anonymity, said, “Threat on the heads of government and state is quite normal. But giving speeches on the issue has become a habit of some of the country’s leaders.”
Meanwhile, Maj Gen (retd) Abdus Salam, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Ministry, refrained from making any comment as to who are threatening the PM’s life.
“Responsible sections will take necessary measures if any threat comes on the PM’s life,” said the army officer-turned lawmaker.
Former Law Minister Abdul Matin Khasru told banglanews, “Those who assassinated Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members tried to kill Hasina on August 21, 2004. Now they are again out to kill her.”
Pointing his finger at Jamaat-e-Islami, whose main leaders are all bind bars, Matin said, “The Islamist party leaders are using the innocent youths and madrasah students in terrorist activities alluring them with money and in the name of jihad.”
AL Religious Affairs Secretary Advocate Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah said, “Eighteen attempts were made on Hasina’s life. She never bowed to any injustice. Those who fail to gain interest for Hasina’s uncompromising attitude want to kill her.”
He also informed that the administration is taking necessary steps for strengthening security of the PM. “But, country’s people are the main power of democracy. So they are being made aware to resist any evil force,” he added.
BDST: 1922 HRS, SEP 14, 2010
