Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna raised a question on Wednesday about why former Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed have not yet been arrested, despite corruption allegations against them.
"Why haven't Aziz or Benazir been arrested yet, and why haven't cases been filed against them? You (people) need to take to the streets making a demand in this regard (the arrest of Aziz and Benazir)," he told a rally.
Referring to Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader’s comment that the government was not embarrassed about the issues of Aziz and Benazir, Manna said this regime is least bothered about such crucial allegations as it is shameless.
“Who elevated Aziz and Benazir to these positions? They indulged in stealing, looting and robbery one after another. Begum Zia did not give them posting,” he said.
The Nagorik Oikya leader also said those who nurtured Aziz and Benazir will not be allowed to go unpunished.
He said that the government was aware of the misdeeds and corruption by the two former top military and police officials but did not take any action against them as they helped it cling to power.
Jatiyatabadi Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolan, a pro-BNP platform, arranged the rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the unconditional release of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and other party leaders and workers, including Ishraque Hossain.
Manna warned that the government would face trouble as a UN representative announced to investigate and send back those Bangladeshi peacekeepers accused of involvement in crimes against humanity.
He bemoaned that General Aziz tarnished the image of the entire armed forces of Bangladesh.
The United States has recently imposed sanctions on Aziz Ahmed over allegations of corruption while the Anti-Corruption Commission has launched an investigation into Benazir's ill-gotten wealth.
A Dhaka court recently ordered the authorities concerned to confiscate the assets of Benazir and freeze his bank accounts.