Human rights activists yesterday urged political leaders to immediately restrain party activists from perpetrating violence and not to ruin people’s lives in the name of politics.
They called on the government to ensure public safety.
Addressing a rally under the banner of National Human Rights Commission on Shaheed Minar premises, the rights activists urged political leaders to observe peaceful programmes and to call off all sort programmes that could bring troubles for Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinees.
National Human Rights Commission Chairman Mizanur Rahman, Honorary Member Professor Mahfuza Khanom, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad General Secretary Maleka Banu and Dhaka University Teachers Association President Professor Farid Uddin joined the rally among others.
Mizanur Rahman said: “I beg of you [politicians], please do not ruin the lives of the commoners.”
The NHRC commissioner also warned security forces not to violate human rights in their attempt to bring peace.
“The forces that were defeated in the 1971 Liberation War began by committing atrocities in the country to destroy the spirit of the war in the name of democratic movement,” said Mahfuza Khanom.
“A terrorist group began carrying out inhuman activities across the country at a time when the incumbent government cracked down on war criminals, August 21 grenade attackers and also corruption of Khelada Zia’s two sons. So it is a very clear indication that the anti-liberation forces have resorted to atrocities to press home their demand,” she added.
The indefinite blockade imposed by the BNP-led 20-party alliance has been in force since January 6.
