Jatiya Party (JP) chairman HM Ershad accused the government of misuse of law enforcement agencies to attack leaders and activists of Hefazat-e-Islam at Dhaka’s Shapla Chattar in the early hours of May 6.
Talking to the media at his residence in Rangpur on Saturday, Ershad claimed some men from a “third party” disguised as Hefazat activists unleashed a reign of terror in the Paltan area during Hefazat’s siege of Dhaka.
He, however, failed to say who was to blame for the violence; instead he questioned why law enforcement personnel obstructed Hefazat activists when they were on their way to Motijheel. Adding, “People of the country are now divided into two parts- theists [believer] and atheists [non-believer]. Hefazat men sieged Dhaka peacefully demanding punishment of atheists.”
When asked about the number of deaths alleged during the crackdown, he said, “I don’t know how many people were killed that day. According to DMP commissioner, 7 people were killed. My question is why were they killed? Aren’t they citizens of Bangladesh?”
Ershad said the country is being led towards uncertain times. The economy as well as law and order situation is becoming worse then it was under the BNP, and many other political parties are also calling hartals on a regular basis.
On the issue of caretaker government, the JP chairman said it is uncertain whether elections would be held or not. He hopes the government will take steps to resolve the issue by introducing an interim government system to ensure the polls are held in a free, fair and neutral atmosphere.
JP leaders and activists in Rangpur welcomed Ershad on a three-day visit to the constituency.
