Dhaka Metropolitan Police yesterday said that only 10 additional policemen deployed for security of Leader of the Opposition Begum Khaleda Zia were withdrawn, reports UNB.

The DMP in a clarification said the then caretaker government considering law-and-other situation before the elec-tion had deployed the additional 10 plainclothes and uniformed policemen temporarily.

Only those additional forces were withdrawn, said the DMP press release, adding the Leader of the Opposition is still enjoying security more than what she deserves as per "Rules for the Protection of the Persons of the Ministers of the Government of Bangladesh" of 1979.

It said as per amended rule of 1979, a minister or equivalent is entitled to eight armed police Including one havilder and one nalk and two plainclothes armed policemen for security during their movement.

The rules, the press release said, are still in force and as per that the Leader of the Opposition will get the security facilities equivalent to that of a minister.

"Even then," it said, "to ensure the security of the Leader of the Opposition. 24 armed policemen under a sub-inspector are deployed at her Cantonment Residence while under a havilder, 7 other armed police are guarding her Minto Road official residence."

Besides, five plainclothes armed policemen are there full-time to ensure her security during her movement, said the release, signed by DMP Commissioner AK Al Mamun.