Dhaka – Demanding a judicial probe into the killing of four people in police firing in Chittagong’s Banshkhali area, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia on Tuesday said now it has become too common in the country to open fire on demonstrators, UNB news agency reported.In a statement, she strongly protested and denounced the killing. “I’m deeply shocked, worried, disappointed and aggrieved over the incident. It’s now become a common practice to kill and injure protesters by police firing.”
Khaleda further said, “I demand that a judicial probe body be formed for ensuring exemplary punishment of those responsible for the incident after identifying them through a fair investigation.”
The BNP chief said though it was the duty of the police to maintain peace among the two opponent groups at Banshkhali, they committed such a murder incident. “Members of the police have become desperate for illegally using them to protect the current unethical regime’s power.”
Earlier on Monday afternoon, four people, including two brothers, were killed in police firing at Gandamara village in Banshkhali upazila during a demonstration against the construction of a coal-based power plant there.
Khaleda said law enforcers instead of lawfully performing their duties with accountability, are killing and injuring people in many cases by firing bullets on trivial grounds. “The Banshkhali incident is its latest example.”
“I think it’s neither possible to protect power nor suppress people’s protest and demonstration for an indefinite time by resorting to killing and repression,” she said.
The BNP chief prayed for salvation of the departed souls and conveyed her profound sympathy to the bereaved family members.
She also demanded the government provide the victims’ families with due compensation and ensure proper treatment for those injured in the incident.
