National Citizen Party (NCP) lawmaker Abdul Hannan Masud (Noakhali-6) on Monday expressed grave concern in Parliament over the “safety of his life and property”, alleging repeated threats and intimidation in his constituency Hatiya.
Taking the floor on a notice regarding the privileges of Members of Parliament, he said he escaped a possible attack while returning from Hatiya just two days ago, and sought intervention from the government to ensure his security.
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Although Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal, who was presiding over the session, did not accept the notice due to technical constraints, he read it out in the House and requested the Home Minister to address the issue.
Hannan said he represents a remote island constituency where “land grabbers and pirates dominate,” adding that he has faced at least five direct attacks before and after the election.
He also alleged that an imam (Islamic cleric) was brutally attacked for offering prayers for him at a mosque and has been undergoing treatment for the past one and a half months.
Expressing frustration, the NCP lawmaker claimed that despite having video evidence of attackers wielding weapons, the perpetrators are being sheltered politically.
He further alleged that he receives regular death threats through Facebook Live broadcasts and faces obstruction in entering his own constituency. “If an elected Member of Parliament and his supporters are not safe, what will be the condition of ordinary people?” he questioned.
Hannan said his vehicle still bears marks from previous attacks and alleged that identified attackers, including one accused of assaulting a BTV journalist, are roaming freely.
He called for a parliamentary investigation into the incidents and sought strong government intervention to ensure the safety of his life and his supporters.
Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal said such attacks and threats against an MP are unacceptable.
Though the notice could not be accepted due to technical constraints under Rules 165(2) and 165(4), he termed the matter “highly sensitive” and requested the Home Minister who was present in the House to take prompt and effective legal action.
Responding to the directive, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the matter raised by the MP is being taken seriously. “I have listened carefully to every point raised by the Member of Parliament. If the incidents are true, they are very unfortunate,” he said.
He advised the MP to file a general diary (GD) or case with the police station concerned if not already done, assuring that legal action will be taken accordingly.
The Home Minister also urged all MPs facing similar situations to immediately inform his ministry or local police stations. “The government is committed to establishing the rule of law in the country,” he added.