Security laws for Bangabandhu’s family members to be cancelled

The Protection of Family Members of the Father of the Nation Act 2009 which was enacted to safeguard the family members of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is set to be revoked.

The provisions of the Special Security Forces Act 2021 that ensure similar security for the family members of Bangabandhu “regardless of their location” – besides VVIPs such as the president and the prime minister – will be amended.

According to relevant sources, a proposal in these regards will be placed at the advisory council meeting of the interim government on Thursday. Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus will preside over the meeting.

If this proposal is approved, the Special Security Force (SSF) protection, safe housing, and other government-provided facilities for the security of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, their children, spouses, and grandchildren will be withdrawn.

After the formation of the Awami League government in 2009, the Protection of Family Members of the Father of the Nation Act was enacted to ensure lifelong special security for the two surviving daughters of Sheikh Mujib – Hasina and her sister Rehana – and their children and grandchildren.

The Act provides lifelong security to the family members of Bangabandhu, similar to the protection offered by the SSF to VVIPs.

Moreover, to ensure the safety of Bangabandhu’s family members, the government is obliged to provide safe and secure housing and other necessary facilities for each family member under this law.

The Special Security Forces Act was enacted in 2021 to ensure similar security for VVIPs such as the president and family members of Bangabandhu “regardless of their location”.

If any person poses a threat to the physical safety of these people, SSF members have the authority to arrest them. If the individual attempts to resist arrest, the SSF may, after issuing a warning, use lethal force or any necessary means to neutralise the threat.

Under the act, no case can be filed against SSF members for their conduct without prior approval from the government.

Last Sunday, a writ petition was filed with the High Court challenging the legality of the two aforesaid laws after Hasina resigned and left the country for India on 5 August following the student uprising.

The petition seeks to declare several sections of the two acts as unconstitutional and illegal, specifically targeting sections 2(b), 2(c), 8(1), 8(3), 8(4), and 9(2), which provide for the protection of family members of Bangabandhu.

Law secretary, home secretary, finance secretary, Special Security Forces’ director general and former PM Sheikh Hasina, her sister Rehena, her (Hasina) son Sajib Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul, Rehana’s son Redwan Siddique Bobby, daughters Tulip Siddique and Azmina Siddique Rupanti have been made defendants in the writ.