BNP opposes govt bid to empower Ansar to arrest offenders

In strong opposition to the government's move to equip the Ansar battalion members with some policing powers such as arresting suspected criminals, the BNP today demanded the withdrawal of the newly introduced legislation, Ansar Battalion Bill, 2023.

Tabled in parliament yesterday the bill was sent to the parliamentary standing committee on the home ministry for further examination.

"A bill was placed in parliament yesterday (Monday). It is not only a cause of serious concern but also a matter of panic. This is how they (govt) are destroying the entire state system and the institutions," said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir while speaking at a press conference.

He said the police are the only institution all over the world that has the power to arrest offenders. "But Ansars, who don't even have basic training, will be given that power here (in Bangladesh)."

The BNP leader said policing is a different thing and the force is run under several laws, rules, and a different code of conduct.

He said the role and activities of the Ansar force are different and it is run by a different institution.

Fakhrul said late President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman modernised the Ansar force during his rule.

The BNP leader alleged that the government has brought the Ansar Battalion Bill, 2023 as part of its move to politicise the force.

"We condemn it and simultaneously demand the withdrawal of the bill. We strongly demand that this bill is not passed in any way," he said.