Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday told Parliament that time has come to identify the masterminds behind the August 15 assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members.
“This plot was not a mere killing. Rather it was against our country, independence and ideology. Time has to find out those who were behind the conspiracy,” she said.
The premier said this joining the general discussion on a resolution passed in the Parliament to express hatred towards the clique of murderers and conspirators who killed Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and take oath under the leadership of his daughter Sheikh Hasina to thwart all conspiracies being hatched by the followers of the clique.
She said the nation needs to unmask the faces of conspirators of this carnage before the nation. “I think the faces must be revealed one day,” she said.
“I’ve been doing politics taking all on board. I didn’t go to take revenge against anyone. I relied on the trial process,” she said, adding that her only goal is to continue working for the people of the country with all her strengths, not taking revenge.
Noting that those who had directly been involved in the killing were tried, Hasina said efforts are going on to bring the fugitive convicted killers back.
Coming down heavily on the critics of her government, she said, “What an unfortunate thing for us! Some people are there who always criticize us and don’t see anything good no matter how much work we do. They will spread propaganda.”
When the international organisations remark that Bangladesh is in no risk, some people are there inside the country who are misleading the people, she said.
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The PM said today Bangladesh is getting respect from the entire world, but some people of Bangladesh are carrying out propaganda to underestimate the country and mislead the people.
“It seems that the ghosts of the anti-liberation and the August 15 killers are still active in the country,” she said.
Treasury bench member RAM Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury placed the proposal in the House under the section-147 of the rules of procedure. Later, the proposal was adopted unanimously by a voice vote following a discussion over it.
In the proposal, the lawmaker said, “The parliament is in opinion that we’re expressing deep hatred towards the hateful gang of murderers and conspirators who cruelly and mercilessly killed Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members on August 15, 1975. But the ghosts of the plotters have not still become inactive. Even today they are continuing their despicable activities to return to state power and turn the wheel of history back. Their despicable plot should not be allowed to succeed. Standing at the foot of history, remembering all the martyrs including Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest personality of Bengali, with a humble heart and respect, and taking an oath to thwart all the plots under the leadership of Bangabandhu's younger daughter, Sheikh Hasina, in the 19th session of the 11th Parliament, let this be firm declaration.”
A total of 24 MPs participated in the around five-hour long discussion. But no MP from the BNP participated in it.
Treasury bench MPs and the lawmakers of the main opposition in parliament—Jatiya Party highly lauded the visionary and historic role of the Father of the Nation for liberating the country.
Participating in the discussion, Law Minister Anisul Huq informed the House that the government will form an inquiry commission to find out the conspirators of the Bangabandhu killing by December 31 this year.
Saying that military ruler Ziaur Rahman was directly involved in the assassination of Bangabandhu, Awami League MP and former state minister for Liberation War Affairs Minister AB Tajul Islam said family members of Zia have no rights to live in Bangladesh.
AL MP Aminul Islam said BNP won’t be able to find any path to flee if Awami League men take to the streets.
Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon demanded the formation of a National Commission of Inquiry to uncover the nature of the conspiracy to kill Bangabandhu.