Jamaat is terrorist group: FBCCI

The FBCCI on Monday said those who suddenly swooped on law enforcers in the capital’s Motijheel, and vandalised and set ablaze vehicles were from a ‘terrorist group’ who the government identified as activists of Jamaat-e-Islami.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 28 Jan 2013, 08:44 AM
Updated : 28 Jan 2013, 08:44 AM

The top trade body in a statement voiced ‘deep concern’ and ‘strongly condemned’ the sudden attacks launched by the group in the city’s business district.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry asked the government to take legal measures against the attackers.

Activists of the Jamaat-e-Islami and its student front Islami Chhatra Shibir once again pounced on law enforcers at Motijheel following a demonstration in the morning demanding release of their top leaders facing trials on war crimes charges.

The Jamaat supporters went berserk in the capital’s Motijheel, smashing nearly 100 vehicles. They set fire to five vehicles including a police van. At least 21 policemen were injuring when they tried to prevent the mayhem.

They also carried out similar arson attacks across the country.

The statement said: “The FBCCI expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the attacks on business establishments, police personnel and vandalising of over a hundred vehicles apart from explosion of crude bombs launched by a terrorist organisation.”

Blaming the Islamist party for the attacks, Home Minister Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir had earlier told reporters, “Measures are being taken so that the Jamaat-Shibit cannot carry out such attacks in future.”

The FBCCI statement signed by Secretary General Mir Shahabuddin said that such sudden attacks during office hours in the Motijheel commercial hub created panic among the people and caused huge losses to the business establishments.

“The FBCCI does in no way support such anarchic situation in the interest of the country’s businesses.”

It demanded exemplary punishment to the perpetrators following proper investigations and asked the government to take necessary measures to avert recurrence of such attack and ensure security to people and business establishments.