Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad on Tuesday demanded judicial inquiry into the incidents that took place on May 5-6 that left many Hefazat-e-Islam men dead, and described the overnight attacks as unprecedented.
The JP chief also urged the government to hand over the bodies of those killed in the clashes to their families.
Condemning attacks on the Hefazat-e-Islam, Ershad in a statement said: “They held a rally at Shapla Chattar taking permission from the authorities. Their rally was peaceful and the responsibility of the incidents that took place outside the rally venue can’t be shifted to Hefazat-e-Islam.”
He said those involved in vandalism and arson attacks should be identified through a judicial inquiry.
“Attacks and firing on the Hefazat activists in the complete darkness of night are unprecedented. The creation of such situation isn’t favourable for democracy, the next election or the Constitution,” the former president said in the statement.
He said exemplary punishment would have to be ensured for those responsible for the loss of lives and destruction. Ershad advised the government to show restraint in handling such a situation
The JP chief also demanded steps to restore peace in the country by holding dialogues among all parties and the proper treatment of the injured people.
He conveyed sympathy to the family members of those who lost their lives in the incidents and prayed for the salvation of the departed souls.