Ziaur 'not allowed' to visit his father Ataur Rahman's grave

Barrister Ziaur Rahman Khan, a former lawmaker, has alleged that he was not allowed to visit his father Ataur Rahman Khan's grave, situated near the parliament, without a “gate pass” on Saturday.

As it was the death anniversary of his father Ataur Rahman Khan, former prime minister and a veteran national leader, Barrister Ziaur said he and his son went to the graveyard along Manik Mia Avenue.

He said an Ansar member asked for a “gate pass”. When Ziaur informed that he wanted to offer prayers at his father's grave, the Ansar member replied he needed to seek instruction from his superiors.

A police personnel appeared and inquired if he had a gate pass, said Ziaur. He said he gave the policeman his identity and also mentioned the particular graveyard he intended to visit. The policeman was unmoved and suggested that Ziaur proceed to their office and obtain a “pass”, otherwise he was unable to allow them entry.

 “There are only about seven graves there and this is not the first time I faced this situation, but it was the first time I was refused entry without a 'gate pass' from some authority…,” said a frustrated Ziaur.