Home minister assures rule of law after alleged attack on lawmaker

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today (20 April) said the government is committed to upholding the rule of law, stating that firm legal action will be taken if any lawmaker is targeted by terrorist activity.

Speaking in parliament, the minister was responding to a notice submitted by opposition MP Abdul Hannan Masud, who alleged an attempted terrorist attack against him. The session was presided over by Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal. 

“It is deeply unfortunate if such an incident has indeed occurred,” the home minister said, adding that the government would take appropriate steps after verifying the complaint.

Although the notice was not accepted under subsections (2) and (4) of Section 165 of the Rules of Procedure, the House urged the minister to look into the matter seriously.

The minister said he had already been informed of the complaint and advised the concerned lawmaker to file a general diary with the local police station. “Once that is done, we will take necessary action,” he assured.

He also encouraged all lawmakers to report any security concerns directly to the Home Ministry and local law enforcement agencies.

During the discussion, the deputy speaker described the alleged attack as “regrettable and unacceptable,” noting that such incidents against elected representatives are alarming. 

However, he pointed out that the notice lacked specific details about the incident and the identities of those responsible.

In his submission, Masud said unidentified assailants attacked his vehicle on 25 February while he was visiting a family affected by pre- and post-election violence.

He also alleged that certain groups later made defamatory and offensive remarks against him following statements he delivered in parliament on 29 March, which he said violated his right to freedom of speech.

Separately, ruling party MP Abul Hasnat Abdullah congratulated the Speaker for resuming the question-answer session in parliament.