The 20-party alliance has alleged that the Awami League had now become dependent on law enforcers to stay in office, and had “handed over the controlling power of law enforcers to some controversial and vested beneficiaries.”
A press release, signed by BNP Vice-Chairman Selima Rahman on behalf of the alliance, read: “Some biased and over-enthusiastic officials have been tarnishing the law enforcers’ reputation, tradition and neutrality by violating law, fairness and human rights – causing questions to be raised inside and outside the country.
“Continuation of the glorious participation of the members of the [law enforcement] forces at the UN peacekeeping mission is now facing uncertainty.
“With these as a backdrop, we are calling upon members from all levels of law enforcement agencies including the police, Border Guard Bangladesh, RAB and Ansar to review and be aware of the whole situation. We are urging them to act according to their conscience,” yesterday’s press release added.
The BNP leader reiterated that the BNP-led 20-party alliance has been waging its movement to restore democracy, people’s right to vote, the rule of law and human rights in the country.
“It is the movement to establish people’s government through a fair election. This is the movement of the people. This movement is not against the law enforcement agencies, rather against the illegal government.”
Selima claimed that as people’s forces, Police-BGB-RAB had the duty and responsibility to ensure security of all citizens, not to protect any single party.
“Today’s problem is not only a problem of law and order; it is a political crisis. So, it should be resolved politically. But the ruling party is pushing them [law enforcers] against the people’s movement.”
Commenting on BNP’s alleged role in the loss of lives during the blockade and hartals, the BNP leader said: “It is an evil attempt of the ruling party to repress the opposition by blaming them for killing innocent people with bomb attacks on vehicles.
“It is our call to our brothers and sisters at law enforcement agencies, you can not be used as a tool to implement this plot.”
Urging for an end to extrajudicial killings, Selima said: “If a single extrajudicial killing happens even after our call, then those responsible should get ready to face punishment in the future.”
She also asked party leaders and activists to keep listing the name and identity of the officials who played roles in acts against the people. “Appropriate action will be taken against them in the future. We are also drawing attention of the human rights organisations and international agencies in this regard.”
