BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday alleged that the government has resorted to 'blackmail' to send Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed to the USA in the name of joining the UN Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS).
Speaking at a discussion, he also slammed the government for its repeated efforts to deny the incidents of enforced disappearance and rights violations in Bangladesh.
“What a drama they (govt) staged! The US imposed sanctions on RAB on charges of violating human rights…the current IGP’s name was there in the list of sanctions as he was the former RAB chief. But his name was kept in the delegation to join the UNCOPS with an aim to take him to America,” the BNP leader said.
As per its agreement with the UN, he said the USA is bound to grant visas to the persons invited by the UN. ”They (govt) took this opportunity and resorted to blackmail. Unfortunately, this incident has defamed the nation…it’s a shameful incident for Bangladesh.”
He said the government has sent Benazir to the USA in such a way since the incidents of enforced disappearance were carried out at its behest. “That’s why they resorted to such blackmailing.”
Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal arranged the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, marking its 30th founding anniversary.
Fakhrul said there is no point in denying the incidents of enforced disappearance as it will only tarnish the country’s image. “We know everything about who are responsible for the incidents of enforced disappearance and who gave orders."
He said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in a statement on Tuesday clearly asked the government to acknowledge the incidents of enforced disappearance and human rights violations and take corrective measures accordingly.
Fakhrul urged the government to carry out an investigation to know the whereabouts of the missing people. “You’re saying the government didn’t pick them up. If so, then say where did these people go? It’s your responsibility to trace them out.”
He said the freedom fighters waged the Liberation War with a dream of establishing a democratic state, a democratic system and a safe and free society for the better future of the new generation. “After 51 years of independence, we now see our all hopes and aspiration have been dashed.“
Read: Fakhrul breaks down witnessing the cries of missing BNP leaders' children
Fakhrul said the freedom fighters did not liberate the country to see such a Bangladesh where the rulers outshined the Pakistani occupation forces in terms of repression and suppression. “Our boys are being picked up from their houses, our brothers are being killed and our children are being made disappear. We didn’t see it in that way even during the Pakistan rule."
He alleged that the current Awami League government has destroyed the soul of Bangladesh by annihilating democracy.
Referring to ministers’ comments that those who have been made disappear were accused in different cases, Fakhrul said 35 lakh people in the country have been made accused in 'false' political cases.
“Those who raised voices against the government and sought justice have been implicated in cases. Our over 600 leaders and activists, including former minister Salahuddin Ahmed and an ex-MP Ilias Ali, have been subjected to enforced disappearance,” he said.