BNP to turn to UN if govt says no to judicial probe

Opposition BNP on Friday threatened to go to the United Nations if the government does not form a judicial probe body to look into the May 5 crackdown on Hefajat-e-Islami activists at Shapla Chattar.“I want to tell the government to form an impartial probe commission, headed by a retired Chief Justice, to maintain transparency in investigation into such a big incident instead of trying to cover it up,” said BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed.
“If the government doesn’t form the judicial probe commission, we’ll take the matter to the United Nations demanding an international probe commission by it,” he added.
The BNP front-ranking leader issued the threat while addressing a discussion programme organised by Bangladesh Youth Forum at the National Press Club.
Terming the May 5 overnight crackdown a stigma for the country’s democracy, Moudud alleged that a large number of people have been killed in the joint operation by police, Rab and BGB men after cutting off power supply for over three hours.
Rejecting the government claim of zero casualty as no lethal weapon was used in the operation, the former minister questioned why did the government not allow media to cover the drive and took two channels off the air, if its claim is true? “The government’s dubious move has created a big confusion in public mind.”
Moudud urged the government to stop its propaganda that Hefajat activists set fire to the copies of the holy Quran, saying people do not believe any Muslim can do that.
About the Prime Minister’s dialogue offer to resolve the country’s political stalemate, the former minister said the government has destroyed the environment for talks by its repressive acts.
“Once you’ll regret for misusing the chance to restore democracy in the country… we’re in power and made mistakes, too. We now lament for those mistakes. So, I want to tell the government you won’t be able to suppress people’s wishes and aspirations with guns and bullets.” UNB

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