Home Minister Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir said on Wednesday that authorities were examining if charges would be brought against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for her ‘provocative’ statement that meant military should interfere in national politics.
“Options for legal actions are under the government’s consideration. But I cannot say when these actions will be initiated. No one will get away after saying what they said”, the Home Minister told reporters.
He made the statement in Uttara after a meeting with top officials of various law enforcing agencies on the occasion of the ninth anniversary of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
Khaleda told a rally in Bogra on Sunday that in case of any chaos in the country, the country’s influential military would not sit idle.
“Our military is working to maintain peace abroad. They will not sit idle if there is anarchy in the country. They will duly discharge their duties,” she had told the rally.
Her remark was unwelcome amid heightened political violence in recent months.
The government has criticised the statement, saying it was irresponsible, especially when it came from a two-time Prime Minister. Ruling party leaders have said the statement is tantamount to sedition.
The Home Minister echoed that statement on Wednesday, saying such instigation should come under the purview of law.
“It should lead (us) to take legal actions against her,” he said.
On the purported order to shoot at sight, the Home Minister said, “The law enforcers will resist atrocities in a way, which is endorsed by the law.”
A newspaper report stated on Wednesday that law enforcers have been directed to shoot any individual who may try to commit arson, vandalism or any other form of anarchist activities.
The report has drawn attention as the BNP-led opposition alliance enforced a 36-hour shutdown from 6:00 am on Tuesday.
The report by the prominent newspaper also stated that the decision was taken during an emergency meeting on Tuesday, between the Home Minister and the heads of the country’s law enforcement agencies.
Source: Bd news24
