BNP questions killing of ‘militants’ in Kalyanpur anti-terror raid

The BNP has criticised the killing of nine suspected militants in the Kalyanpur raid.

Spokesperson Ruhul Kabir Rizvi says “the nation” wants to know why the militants are not being captured alive.

He, however, maintains that the killing of six, including five militants, who had murdered 20 hostages and two policemen at a cafe in Gulshan is “unquestionable”.

“No question was raised over the law-enforcing agencies at Gulshan’s Holey Artisan restaurant. Then why confusion has been created over the Kalyanpur incident?” Rizvi said at a media briefing in party chief Khaleda Zia’s office in Gulshan on Friday.

He blamed the Awami League government for the “rise” of militancy.

“Why are the militants not being captured alive? It’s a question the nation is asking now. Why are the others involved not being held after interrogation?” Rizvi asked.

Police came under attack during a drive in Kalyanpur early on Tuesday in search for militants. The drive was part of a strengthened operation following the recent terror attacks.

A SWAT team later stormed the house where the suspected militants were hiding. Nine ‘militants’ were killed and another was captured alive.

Police say they belong to banned militant outfit Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and include the trainer of the Gulshan cafe attackers.

BNP leaders have expressed doubt about the dead youths' involvement in militancy.