BNP-Jamaat won't be spared if resort to terrorism: PM
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina today reiterated a note of warning that tougher actions will be taken against BNP and Jamaat if they engage in further arson terrorism or destructive activities in the name of movement.
"BNP-Jamaat wants to take to the streets in the name of movement. They can do movement and we have nothing to say. But, if they are again involved in arson terrorism, destruction and criminalisation, we will not spare them," she said.
The premier said this while addressing a lawyers' grand rally-2023 at the historic Suhrawardi Udyan here as the chief guest following inaugural of the 15-storey Bangladesh Bar Council Bhaban.
She asked the lawyers to take prompt measures for quick disposal of the cases regarding the arson terrorism from 2013-15 in the name of movement, when over 500 people including 29 police personnel were killed and 3,225 suffered burn injuries.
If they don't get punishment for their misdeeds they will be encouraged, she said, adding that many of them who were underground, have now been attending BNP's rallies taking the advantage of their movement.
"The BNP-Jamaat men who were involved in the arson terrorism must have to face the trial in Bangladesh. Take measures to hold trials against those," she told the lawyers.
The prime minister said the culprits must have to be exposed to punishment, otherwise a culture of impunity will reign the country again.
"We the people who have lost their near and dear ones know well the pain of losing own people," she said.
She also said military dictator Ziaur Rahman had killed hundreds of freedom fighter military officials in the name of farcical trials.
The prime minister also unveiled the cover of a book titled "Bangabandhur Ayeni Darshan" (Bangabandhu's Legal Philosophy) and witnessed a colorful cultural programme presented by Bangladesh Silpakala Academy at the function.
Presided over by the law, justice and parliamentary affairs minister Anisul Huq, the rally was also addressed by Bangabandhu Awami Ainjibi Parishad convener Yusuf Hossain Humayun, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) mayor and Bangabandhu Awami Ainjibi Parishad secretary general Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, attorney general and Bangladesh Bar Council chairman, Abu Mohammad Amin Uddin, Bangladesh Bar Council vice- chairman Syed Rezaur Rahman, and Awami League's law secretary Kazi Md Najibullah Hiru.