Bangabandhu's family members security law repealed

The Protection of Family Members of the Father of the Nation Act 2009 has been repealed to protect the family members of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

In the meeting of the advisory council on Thursday, subject to vetting, the final approval of the repeal of the law was given.

As per the decision of the previous government, the “Father of the Nation Family Members Security Act, 2009 (Act No. 63 of 2009) was enacted and promulgated. On May 15, 2015, a gazette was issued to provide special security and facilities under the Act. The Act was made to provide state special benefits to members of only one family which is a clear discrimination. The current interim government is committed to eradicating all discrimination after the anti-discrimination student uprising.

It is to be noted that after the formation of the Awami League government in 2009, the 'Security of the Family Members of the Father of the Nation Act 2009' was enacted to ensure lifelong special security for the two surviving daughters of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana and their children.

Under the Act, a 'Very Very Important Person' (VVIP) is provided with the same kind of security for life as the Special Security Force (SSF) provides.

Besides, to ensure the safety of Bangabandhu's family members, there is an obligation to provide safe and secure housing and other necessary facilities for each member in this Act.

Bangladesh /SBT