Khaleda can be tried in court for ordering deadly agitations, says PM Hasina

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia can surely be tried in courts for loss of life and property sustained during blockades and general strikes she has ordered, says Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 21 Jan 2015, 01:06 PM
Updated : 22 Jan 2015, 08:12 PM

"She can be tried as 'Hukumer Asami', meaning she stands accused as someone instigating criminal action leading to deaths and injuries as a result of violence during strikes and blockades she has explicitly sponsored," the prime minister said in reply to a question in Parliament by Awami League MP A B Tajul Islam on Wednesday.

Islam said at least 30 people had died and more than 600 vehicles been burnt down during the ongoing blockade called by Khaleda.

"So why can't she be tried for provoking such violent action against innocent people?" Islam asked.

Hasina said in reply: "Law-enforcing agencies are examining the possibility of putting her (Khaleda) on trial for the ongoing violence."

A day ago, the prime minister had said Khaleda can be brought to book and tried for the ongoing violence.

That provoked furious protests from the BNP.

On Wednesday, Hasina followed the same line while replying to Islam's question.

"We wonder why Khaleda Zia has declared war on the people. Why are innocent daily wage earners or office-goers burnt to death?

“I fail to understand why she is not staying at home and instead giving out orders to perpetrate violence from her office."

Hasina said Khaleda can surely be brought to justice and tried for ordering criminal action.

"Law will take its own course and it is up to agencies enforcing the law to check this out and take necessary action. I will leave it at that."

The Awami League chief said the BNP-led alliance felt frustrated at lack of popular support for their agitation.

"That is why they are resorting to violence against the people. We are doing what we should to tackle the law and order situation by deploying police and other security forces."

She said police and BGB personnel are escorting transport, guarding railway tracks and preventing sabotage.

Hasina appealed to the people to come forward to help security forces prevent violence and restore normalcy.

"I appeal to our patriotic citizens to catch all the trouble-makers and hand them over to police. Alert them the moment you come to know someone is planning violence."

The government has already declared a reward of Tk 100,000 for information leading to arrest of those planning violence or those involved in it.