Khaleda backs Jamaat's ‘resistance’

Khaleda Zia on Friday lent support to the 'resistance' put up by the Jamaat-e-Islami which set free nationwide bloodshed following the sentencing of its top leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee.

Speaking at press meet at her Gulshan office, the BNP Chairperson described the bloodshed in which 35 people were killed nationwide as ‘people’s resistance against fascism unleashed by the government'.

”I pray for the departed souls of those who sacrificed their lives in the last few days’ violence. I urge the people to get vocal to ensure justice for the killings,” she said.

First war crimes tribunal on Thursday sentenced the Jamaat stalwart to death for two charges of murder.

The party which opposed the country’s birth plunged Bangladesh into a spasm of violence on Thursday as it let loose a fresh wave of deadly clashes over the judgement on Sayedee.

The party claimed all of the deceased to be their members except one Hindu man at Chittagong.

A day after Jamaat announced to hit Bangladesh with a nonstop 48 hours shutdown from Sunday protesting the verdict, the BNP on Friday called to enforce another strike on Tuesday.

Khaleda on Friday also warned the government that the BNP would not tolerate any attack on ‘religion’ or ‘liberty’.

“Islam does not contradict independence. But a vested quarter is defaming Islam, Allah and Hazrat Muhammad in the name of implementing the spirit of Liberation War of 1971.”

On Feb 22, violence had erupted after Juma prayers in Dhaka and other parts of the country from anti-Shahbagh movement processions taken out by several small parties together.

Baitul Mukarram gates were vandalised and prayer mat was set on fire on the mosque premises that day allegedly by the activists of the parties and undercover Jamaat activists.

Attacks were carried out on Shaheed Minars while nation flags torn and trampled.