Dhaka, Dec 10 (bdnews24.com)—The Awami League on Monday refused to take responsibility for the death of Biswajit Das amid allegations that he was killed by activists of the ruling party’s student front during Sunday’s opposition-sponsored road blockade.
At a press conference party’s Joint General Secretary Mahbub-ul Alam Hanif said the death occurred in a clash after Awami League’s celebration rally was ‘attacked’ and that the ruling party was not liable for the death.
Biswajit was beaten and stabbed to death in Old Dhaka on Sunday amid the 18-Party Alliance-sponsored blockade. Images run in dailies showed several Bangladesh Chhatra League activists attacking the youth.
Questions were thrown to Hanif over the tailoring shop owner’s death after an extended emergency meeting with the party’s fronts at Awami League President Sheikh Hasina’s political office in Dhanmondi.
At the end of the press conference, Hanif was asked, “The associate organisations of Awami League were seen active on Sunday although the party had not announced any programmes during the opposition-sponsored blockade. At the Victoria Park…”
“[You] have to understand the whole situation. We announced a rally celebrating Bangladesh’s series win against West Indies [on Sunday]. Activists of opposition parties attacked our processions in many places and bombs were also detonated which led to clashes,” Hanif said, interrupting the question.
When asked whether the Awami League was taking liability of Biswajit’s death, Hanif left the place without answering it.
According to witnesses, lawyers loyal to BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami began a procession inside the Judge Court premises in support of the blockade on Sunday morning. Members of Jagannath University’s Chhatra League unit were cordoning off the area and shouting slogans.
At one point, running battles took place between the rival groups and several hand-bombs were reportedly exploded.
An eyewitness had told bdnews24.com up to 25 youths started beating up Biswajit shortly after the explosions.
Locals later rushed the injured Biswajit to Mitford Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The deceased was the owner of a tailoring shop and was on his way to the shop at Shankharibazar from his home. His relatives claimed Biswasjit had no political affiliation.
Source: Bd News24