Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed concern yesterday over the recent deterioration of law and order, especially in the capital city and asked party MPs concerned to take care of their near and dear ones involved in creating the situation.

The PM expressed the concern and issued warnings in the four-hour meeting of the ruling Awami League’s parliamentary ; wing held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban yesterday. She also presented before the party MPs the outline of the political

strategy she was going to advance with in the near future.

Warning party legislators of "dire consequences'' in case they failed to control their unruly sons, the PM told the meeting that she would prefer party Interests to those of individuals. meeting sources said.

"The misdeeds of the sons of some MPs have already damaged the image of the party to a great extent. I will not spare any MP in case of their failure to control their sons. 1 consider party interests above everything. let alone interest of the

individuals," she was quoteri to have told the meeting

However, emerging from the meeting, the prime minister gave replies to questions on certain crucial social and political Issues. Including worsening law and order, national polls and opposition movement. Election Commission and local government elections, strengthening the security system inside parliament and repeal of the controversial Vested Property Act

Law and Order

Replying to a question, the

PM admitted that the law and order has deteriorated in the capital city. “Yes, the city has recently witnessed a number of killings. I have already instructed police to book those responsible for the killings Irrespective of their political colour or identity.”

When her attention was drawn to terrorist activities reportedly carried out by certain ruling party MPs In the capital city, the PM told reporters, "Only the parents would understand how difficult it is to bring hack the misguided sons on the right track However, 1 have al-re««ly instructed law enforcers to book those responsible for deterioration of law and order, irrespective of political colour and identity."

Asked whether her instructions were being carried out properly. she said. " 1 think the police are making genuine efforts to contain the situation. But II is very' difficult to contain law and order when a person arrested on charge of a killing gets bail from the court and then commits two murders."

Asked whether she considered it a failure on the part of the police that the unruly sons of certain ruling party MPs were not yet arrested, the PM said. "Maybe, yes." But she refused to link the law and order situation with the appointment of the new Inspector general of police.

Opposition Movement, elections

The PM once again ruled out the possibility of early general elections.

"There is no question of holding general election this year. The opposition has announced to oust my government through agitation, but its programme has failed. So the question of early election does not arise. It would take place in the constitutionally scheduled time."

Asked whether she would take any step to make the boycotting opposition return to the budget session, she said that it was their responsibility to come to budget session and speak for those who have voted them to parliament. Replying to another question. the PM told reporters that she would go for parliamentary by-elections If the opposition seats fell vacant due to their absence in the house without Speaker s permission.

On the local government polls she said, ”1 have instructed party MPs today to prepare for Upazila and Zila Parishad elections. The general elections would follow the two local body polls. We shall pass the Zila Parishad Bill during the current session of parliament."

Replying to a query, the PM said that her party was "ready to hold the Upazila elections now but it would eventually depend on the Election Commission." “According to law. the EC enjoys the legal authority to announce the schedule of the Upazila polls. But the commission seems to be sympathetic to the opposition, which is opposing the polls." a smiling PM said.

Asked whether she considered it possible for the EC to hold elections to two major local bodies like Upazila and Zila Parishads before the next general elections du<- next year. Hasina replied in the affirmative. "Why not? My government is committed to strong local government, while the people have the right to choose their, representatives to run the local bodies. I do not see any problem in holding the local government polls before the general elections.”

On the opposition rejection of appointment of the new chief election commissioner, the she said they (opposition) would not go for a bigger agitation against the CEC. Asked whether she had any discussion with opposition in this regard, the PM said. "Why should I need to have a discussion to understand the opposition attitude in this regard Had I not been able to read the opposition’s mind. I would not have been able to reach the stage where I am now.”

Strengthening JS security

Asked to explain reasons behind a recent attempt to further strengthen the security system inside parliament, the prime minister said almost all the parliaments in the world take the security matters very seriously. “We are Just trying to plug the loopholes in the security system in our parliament. Besides, as you are aware of reports. I am the target of those who have failed to launch movement against me."

Repeal of Vested Property Act

When her attention was drawn to yesterday’s hunger strike by the religious minority communities for repeal of the controversial Vested Property Act. Haslna said. "A parliamentary committee Is working on It, while the bill seeking repeal of the act has to come to the House through a process. We would pass the bill when introduced in parliament."

The prime minister criticised “those shedding crocodile tears for the minority communities. "

Earlier in the parliamentary committee meeting, the prime minister warned "Thirty-five party MPs who seldom visit their constituencies.”

"I have a list of 35 MPs who have reportedly been isolated from the people of their respective constituencies. With general elections ahead. I would advise them to start visiting the electorates frequently. In case of failures. I would disclose their names while they face music after announcement of the schedules of general election.” Hasina was quoted to have told the meeting.