Tk 90 lakh lost in Parliament vandalism

The meeting decides to take appropriate measures to recover the stolen cash.

Dhaka, Sept 15 - Approximately Tk 90 lakh, including both official and personal funds, was lost during the vandalism and looting that took place in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on August 5.

The figure was revealed during a meeting held to discuss the overall situation of the Parliament building. The meeting, presided over by Acting Secretary Zebunnesa Karim (Additional Secretary, Committee Support Wing), outlined the steps to address the aftermath of the incident, according to a press release.

In response to the losses, a decision was made to take appropriate measures to recover the stolen cash. Besides, authorities resolved to compile a detailed inventory of lost and damaged goods from various offices, sub-sections, and sections within the Parliament building. This inventory is to be submitted to the respective heads of each department for further action.

Heads of departments at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban attended the meeting, where they emphasized the urgent need for repairs in their respective areas. The meeting also resulted in the formation of three committees tasked with enhancing the overall security of key locations, including the Parliament House, the Parliament Member Houses at Manik Mia and Nakhal Para, the Old MP Hostel, Minister Hostel, Secretary Hostel, and surrounding residential areas.

The committees have been directed to conduct on-site inspections of the damaged and lost goods, with findings to be reported to the oath room. Urgent measures will be taken to repair damaged computers, printers, scanners, internet connections, telephone exchanges, lines, and other essential equipment within the Parliament building.

Various department heads and related officers were present at the meeting held on September 4, 2024.

Soon after Sheikh Hasina fled the country, hundreds of thousands of agitators ran into the Jatiya Sangsad and broke through the barricade put on different roads leading to the parliament building and marched towards it.

Within minutes, the staircase in front of parliament was filled with thousands of protesters. Vandalism and looting were noticed at that moment.-UNB