Opposition BNP yesterday complained to the President about a surprise withdrawal of security personnel provided for the Leader of the Opposition and attack on her family members by armed men, reports UNB.

A 14-member delegation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by Leader of the Opposition Begum Khaleda Zia called on President Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban last night and apprised him of the situation.

"A large number of workers of the party are being harassed and arrested on political ground ...they are feeling insecure following such actions," a release from the Bangabhaban quoted the delegation to have told the President.

They also complained that BNP MPs and leaders are not allowed to visit the residence of their leader.

Members of the delegation informed the President that the BNP MPs are not given proportionate representation in the parliamentary committees and most of the Committees are yet to be formed, although nearly a year, has passed.

President Shahabuddin gave them a patient hearing and said that he would take up the matters with the Prime Minister.

"Parliamentary democracy can work only on mutual trust, cooperation and tolerance be-tween the government and the opposition parties," he said reiterating his view.

The BNP leaders also apprised the President of their party decision to take part in the forthcoming ManlkganJ byelection with a view to respecting the advice of the President and keeping the democratic process working.

Members of the delegation include Deputy Leader of the Opposition Prof AQM Badrud-doza Chowdhury. BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, Khandaker Delwar Hossain, KM Obaidur Rahman. MK Anwar, Col (retd) Oli Ahmed, Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain. M Saifur Rahman, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, M Mor-shed Khan, Abdullah Al Noman, Moudud Ahmed and Khandaker Mahbub Hossain.