Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice-President Abu Shadik Kayem has declined government-provided gunman support, saying security should be ensured for all citizens, not just a few individuals.
In a Facebook post on Monday night, Kayem said the government had recently decided to provide gunmen to student leaders of the July uprising, leaders of various political parties and media personalities. He said he was informed about the decision but chose not to accept the offer for himself.
Following the fall of the Hasina government, Kayem said people expected visible and fair changes in the country’s overall security system. However, he claimed that public security continues to be disrupted due to the ineffective role of law enforcement agencies and the direct or indirect support of what he termed fascist forces within various institutions.
He said if law enforcement agencies were effectively activated and criminals brought to justice, public concern over security would not be so acute.
Referring to recent incidents, Kayem said that while top criminals are released on bail and roam freely, leaders such as Osman Hadi have been killed and the perpetrators remain at large. “At the same time, there are proposals to provide gunmen for personal security. I am reluctant to accept this reality,” he wrote.
Kayem acknowledged that security is necessary for everyone but stressed that it should not be limited to select individuals or groups. “Our demand is to build a safe and just Bangladesh for all,” he said.
Bangladesh provides gunmen for 20 individuals on hit lists
He added that as long as students and the general public remain unsafe, he does not consider it appropriate to accept gunman support solely for personal protection.
Earlier today, Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the interim government of Bangladesh has assigned gunmen to 20 individuals who were on alleged hit lists doing the rounds and facing security risks.
“Those who are on hit lists or concerned about their security have already been given gunmen,” he told reporters after a meeting on the law and order situation at the secretariat.