Dhaka, Oct 19 (V7N) — The Home Ministry has approved the purchase of two bulletproof vehicles to ensure the security of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections.

According to ministry sources, permission to purchase a bulletproof bus was granted earlier this month, while approval for a bulletproof car was issued last June. However, the BNP has not yet finalized the country of origin or model of the bulletproof vehicles.

Party sources indicated that discussions are currently underway to procure the vehicles from Japan, considering quality and safety standards.

Retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar, security advisor to the BNP Chairperson, confirmed the development, stating,

 “Madam Khaleda Zia and Mr. Tarique Rahman will travel across the country to conduct public relations campaigns during the election. Bulletproof vehicles are being purchased to ensure their maximum security.”

In addition to the vehicles, the BNP has also applied for a firearms license from the Home Ministry. The application includes a shotgun and two pistols, intended for use by the security team of the top leaders.

Officials from the Home Ministry said that the firearms license request is still under review, and a final decision will be made after assessing the relevant security considerations.

END/SMA/AJ