PM Hasina says 'BNP-Jamaat involved' in murders of foreign nationals

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has blamed the murder of two foreigners within a week on the 'BNP-Jamaat-e-Islami alliance'.

During a media interaction at the Ganabhaban on Sunday, Hasina said the murders were part of a conspiracy to 'tarnish the image' of the government.

"There is no reason to believe that all our achievements will be overshadowed by these heinous murders, but that is what is being attempted," Hasina said.

She described the murders as 'clearly planned and politically motivated' and promised firm action.

Hasina said the murders of foreigners have taken place at a time when the war crimes trials are taking place.

"Those who ruled the country for 21 years after the 1975 coup are responsible for attempts to create panic and undermine all our achievements," she said.

"I appeal to all citizens not to get too sensitive or carried away by these murders. We will take action and track down the culprits. But if we get carried away by these murders and overlook our achievements, the BNP-Jamaat conspiracy will be successful."

Hasina said the BNP and Jamaat have "definitely abetted these murders in an attempt to overshadow Bangladesh's achievements."

Assailants gunned down Italian charity worker Cesare Tavella at Gulshan diplomatic zone on Sep 28.

The murder coincided with the visit of the Australian cricket team’s security officials. The officials were in Bangladesh to assess the security arrangements made for the cricketers whose arrival was delayed over security concerns. Eventually, the tour was postponed.

Last Saturday, Japanese farmer Kunio Hoshi was killed in the same way when he was on his way to his grass farm at Kaunia in Rangpur.

Several foreign missions in Dhaka have asked their nationals to limit their movements in Bangladesh.

Replying to a question, the prime minister on Sunday said the types of the murders were same.

“In the murder of the Italian citizen at Gulshan, there was no misfire…which means it was planned,” she said.

“I would like to remind you about a BNP leader’s comments made just before it and his reaction after the murder…It will be clear if you look into the matter.

“The people will also have to understand this. They will have to know. They are conducting these incidents certainly with a motive,” she added.

Hasina also said “a group was trying to foment instability in Bangladesh”.

“They do not like the democracy maintained by Awami League.”

Radical group Islamic State has reportedly claimed responsibility for both the murders.

The prime minister said, “Until now, IS or global terror groups like it have not been able to operate in Bangladesh. Our intelligence agencies are active... we will not allow any such activities in Bangladesh.”

She also urged the journalists to highlight the recent killing of nine in a college in the US and two near police headquarters in Sydney.

“Has anyone issued a red alert there? Small things make us very sensitive.”

Hasina She asked the media to check how many are killed and raped in the US in a minute.

She recalled the 2012 murder of Awami League’s US unit vice-president Nazmul Islam in New York.

“The question is – why we don’t give same importance to murders of a foreigner and a Bangladeshi,” she asked.

The prime minister emphasised raising awareness against terrorism and militancy.

“People will have to come forward. We are with them.”

She said those linked to terrorism have no religion but ‘terrorism’.