Tarique Rahman demands bringing Sheikh Hasina back quickly to face justice

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman today demanded bringing back deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina to face justice for the “crimes she committed”.

"Dictator Sheikh Hasina, who left power in the mass uprising and fled abroad, must be brought back to the country quickly to face justice. She cannot be spared by any means,” he said while virtually addressing a rally.

Amra BNP Paribar organized the rally at Sonagazi Mohammad Saber Pilot Government High School ground in Feni to provide housing to family of Mohammad Masud, who was killed in a RAB firing on June 25, 2016, and financial assistance to the families of 45 July uprising martyrs in Feni, Noakhali and Lakshmipur.

Tarique Rahman said Awami League government killed 2,000 people in the July-August movement alone while thousands of students and the people were injured. In addition, lakhs of BNP leaders and activists were tortured by the party in the past 16 years, he added.

“When the autocratic government seized power with the barrel of gun, only BNP wanted reforms. Everyone must work together to form a people's government through elections and build a new Bangladesh,” he said.

Remembering Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Tarique Rahman said Ziaur Rahman increased agricultural production in the country through the canal digging programme.

Ziaur Rahman provided employment to the people by establishing factories while BNP chief former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia made a lot of efforts to move the country forward, he noted.

“Whenever BNP comes to power, the country moves forward. In that continuity, we announced 31-point outline for repairing the state structure two and a half years ago to take the country forward anew,” he said.

“In the future, if there is a people's government through elections; the dignity of the martyrs who sacrificed themselves will be established and the expectations of the people will be fulfilled by implementing the 31 points,” he said.

Urging party men to remain vigilant, he said some opportunists may conspire to tarnish the image of the party, so they cannot be given a chance under any circumstances.

He said BNP will continue its movement and struggle until a people's government is established. 

“The sooner the people's government is established, the sooner it will be able to take the country on the path of prosperity,” said Tarique Rahman.

BNP acting chairman called upon democratic parties and people to be united in establishing a people's government.

At the outset of the programme, Tarique Rahman inaugurated a house built for the family of Masud, the former joint convener of the Upazila Jubo Dal, who was allegedly a victim of extrajudicial killing in Sonagazi.

The leaders present at the event handed over the keys of the house to Masud's family. 

Masud's daughter Muntaha broke down in tears while giving a speech expressing her feelings. 
Muntaha demanded capital punishment of the then Charchandia UP chairman and Joint Secretary of the Upazila Awami League, Mosharraf Hossain Milon, accusing him of his involvement in the Masud murder.

BNP Vice-Chairmen Abdul Awal Mintoo and Barkat Ullah Bulu, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, Chairperson's Advisers Joynal Abedin and Zainul Abdin Farroque and Chattogram divisional Organizing Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Shamim spoke as special guests at the public meeting.

Atiqur Rahman Rumon, convener of Amra BNP Paribar, presided over the rally.