AL lawmakers complain of rise in crime

A number of ruling Awami League (AL) lawmakers yesterday said criminal activities including killing, robbery and theft are increasing in their constituencies, and demanded setting up more police camps to improve the situation.
In a scripted answer, Home Minister Sahara Khatun however informed the House that the law and order is under government control, and it is determined to ensure security of people's lives and properties.
On curbing outlaws' activities, she said the government would soon implement its announcement that outlaws in south-western region of the country would be given a scope to surrender to the authorities and return to normal life.
During question-answer period, the lawmakers described the prevailing law and order in their constituencies.
“Incidents of killing and robbery are frequent in my constituency. Therefore, more police camps are necessary to stop the criminal activities,” ruling party lawmaker Manjur Quader Quareshi said.
Mokbul Hossain said criminal activities have increased in his constituency in Pabna.
Matiur Rahman said normal life has been seriously affected in five unions of his constituency in Mymensingh due to robbery, rustling and other criminal activities.
Mozammel Haque said police could not properly ensure security of life and property of people due to shortage of manpower.
State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku, who was responding to MPs' queries on behalf of Sahara, said the government is sincerely working to maintain law and order.
He also assured the lawmakers of setting up more thanas and police camps in their constituencies.
The home minister told the House that 2,107 people were killed in six months from January to June this year.
She also said 53 Bangladesh citizens were killed by Indian Border Security Force in the last nine months.
In the capital, 273 people were arrested under the Special Powers Act in the last 10 months, Sahara said.
SECURITY BILL
The parliamentary standing committee on home ministry yesterday recommended that the House pass the Father of the Nation Family Members' Security bill. The committee placed its scrutiny report in parliament yesterday.