The security of Bangladesh's main opposition party chief Khaleda Zia, who boycotted the recently held general election, is set be curtailed for the first time in over two decades since she is no longer a lawmaker.
Zia, who heads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has sought adequate protection as she is set to lose her security guards and other facilities.
"She would no more be the opposition leader...But as the former premier and leader of a big party, she will be given due security protection," State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku told Samokal newspaper.
Col (retd) Abdul Majid, a key member of Zia's personal security team, sent a letter to para-police Ansar and Village Defence Party headquarters two days ago, seeking 22 personnel for her security, BNP sources and newspaper reports said.
During the past 23 years, Zia had enjoyed special facilities, including security guards, in her capacity as either the prime minister or Leader of Opposition.
Zia demanded deployment of Ansar forces to guard her upmarket Gulshan residence in Dhaka.
"I've visited the spot (Zia's residence) and will submit my report to the authorities concerned. The government will decide whether it will permit (the deployment security personnel)," a top Ansar official told the media.
The government withdrew Zia's security arrangements on December 28 after paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion and riot police laid siege to her home.
Zia has claimed she is under virtual house arrest. But the government denied this, saying BNP leaders and foreign envoys had met her inside the house and nobody had barred her from coming out of the residence.
Her security is taken care of by a private team of retired army officers and soldiers. Zia, who was twice elected as Prime Minister, was also receiving various allowances and ministerial privileges as Leader of Opposition for the past five years.
Two Special Branch personnel and eight policemen were part of her security detail and she was also provided a private secretary, assistant private secretary, other staff and an allowance of 53,100 taka.
Former military ruler HM Ershad's Jatiya Party has now emerged as the main opposition after bagging 33 seats in the January 5 election.
