Worried over security during Eid, says PM Hasina

Dhaka, June 9 – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said she was very worried about security during the Eid-ul Fitr congregations as various threats always keep surfacing through social media.
“I was really very worried during Eid Jamaats as (terror) incidents are happing. We paid a special attention so that no untoward incident occurs,” she said replying to a question at a press conference at Ganobhaban this afternoon.
The press conference was arranged to brief the outcomes of her tri-nation tour to Japan, Saudi Arabia and Finland from May 28 to June 7.
The Prime Minister said different types of treat come always in many ways through social media. “But I don’t want to frighten people saying all these,” she said.
“Whenever any information (over militant threats) is received, we take necessary action immediately following investigations by intelligence agencies,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said the Eid Jamaats were held in a nice manner as the intelligence agencies, Rab and police worked sincerely.
Referring to the Sholakia eid congregation attack, she said such incidents could be prevented this time.
She urged people to remain alert so that the ongoing pace of the country’s development is no way hampered.
Replying to a question Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday reaffirmed that the punishment BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman was given by court in different cases will surely be executed.
“We’ve been in talks with the British government (to bring Tarique back home)…I can say the punishment (he was awarded by the court) will be executed today or tomorrow,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina came up with the remarks while speaking at a press conference at her official residence Ganobhaban about the outcome of her recent tri-nation visit to Japan, Saudi Arabia and Finland.
Replying to a question by a journalist about the update over government efforts to bring Tarique back home, the Prime Minister said, “I hate to take this name.”
She said Tarique has been leading a luxury life in London as he amassed huge ill-gotten money. “He tries to create some problems whenever I go there.”
Hasina came down hard on a section of people who shed crocodile tears for Tarique forgetting the misdeeds he committed when BNP was in power.
“How do you forget the August-21 grenade attack? I’s not supposed to remain alive the way the attack was launched. Ivy Rahman and many others died in the attack when they (BNP) were in power,” the PM said.
She also said repeated attempts and attacks were made by BNP on her life. “They also killed our thousands of leaders and activists. You’re out there crying for the killers who embezzled the money of orphans and involved with smuggling 10-truck arms.”
She also questioned how the government will try the criminals if people show sympathy to a convicted offender like Tarique.
Tarique, who was declared a fugitive by Bangladesh courts, has been sentenced up to life in jail in several cases, including that of money laundering, corruption and August-21 grenade attack on an Awami League rally.
On September 11, 2008, Tarique Rahman went to London for treatment, and he has been living with his family there since then.
He was arrested on March 7, 2007 during the army-backed caretaker government and later released on parole on September 3, 2008. – UNB