Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) standing committee member Moudud Ahmed on Sunday alleged that the killings of suspected militants in ‘mysterious gunfight’ and the government’s failure to begin trial any secret killings have raised a doubt in public minds about its sincerity to eliminate militancy and terrorism.
Speaking at a discussion, he also said there is no alternative to a representative, democratic and accountable government to stamp out extremism.
Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal arranged the discussion at the National Press Club, marking BNP’s 38th founding anniversary.
“The incidents of extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearance and abduction have marked a sharp rise. The most mysterious incident is killing of arrested militants. You’re calling them as the masterminds of militancy, and also killing them by firing from behind. What’s the motive behind it?” he questioned.
The BNP standing committee member said people are now in doubt whether the government really wants to ensure proper investigation into the militant incidents and eliminate militancy as the militants are being killed instead of their arrest alive.
Mentioning that the BNP-led government had arrested six notorious militant kingpins alive, including Shaykh Abdur Rahman and Bangla Bhai, and ensured their execution through trial, Moudud said the government should arrest the militants alive to collect information from them about their networks and activities.
“Then, put them on trial and ensure their capital punishment.”
The BNP leader urged the government to properly investigate all the secret killings of bloggers, clerics, foreigners and others, and begin the trial of those involved in the incidents.
“You couldn’t initiate the trial of any incidents of secret killings. It’s demonstrated the weakness of the government and law enforcers,” he observed.
Moudud said militancy and terrorism is spreading fast in the country as there is no democracy and a healthy environment for doing politics.
He said the government should unite people from all walks of life, irrespective of their political affiliation, to put up a strong resistance against militancy and terrorism. “Militancy is a dangerous matter for all of us and we all must prevent it together. We’re ready to cooperate with you if you take any step in this regard.”
The BNP leader also suggested the government to take steps to install a democratic, accountable and pro-people government in the country through a fair election as an effective means to eliminate BNP.
He came down hard on the government for withdrawing the Swadhinata Padak awarded to Ziaur Rahman posthumously. “It’s a matter of deep regret Ziaur Rahman’s Swadhinata Padak was taken back.”
“It’s a blunder and suicidal decision of the government …it’s exposed its low-mentality by withdrawing the Padak. You could take back the award, but you won’t be able to remove his name from the hearts of crores of people.”
He urged the government to review its decision about the wit drawl of Zia’s Swadhinata Padak.
Source: prothom-alo
