Hasina teary-eyed during visit to BTV building damaged in attack

The state television building was attacked and had several buildings burnt amid the recent violence

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has visited the Bangladesh Television building which was attacked and seriously damaged during the violence that erupted amid the quota protest movement.

The premier went to BTV around 9am on Friday and toured the damaged sections of the building. She urged Bangladesh’s citizens to come forward to help bring the perpetrators to justice.

Referring to the vandalism of the metro rail, the BTV building and other structures, she said:

“Please help us find those who are involved, no matter what nook or cranny of the country they are in, and bring them to justice. That is my call to the people of this country.”

“I say to citizens and Dhaka residents – those who are responsible for this suffering and destruction, who are today spoiling Bangladesh’s image abroad – I leave to you the responsibility of bringing them to justice.”

Hasina said, “The people must be the ones to bring those who create obstacles to the livelihoods of the public to justice because the only power in the country is the power of the people.”

The premier also told people to stay alert and prevent the spread of false rumours.

“Do not allow them to stir unrest by spreading fake propaganda. Everyone must know the truth. They are still making calls from London, trying to ruin the country’s honour and stir up expatriates around the world.”

“As before, BNP and Jamaat carried out arson attacks. But this time is different… they used gunpowder.”

The prime minister became emotional and expressed frustration while inspecting the damage to the state broadcaster’s offices. Her eyes welled up, as did those of BTV officials accompanying her on the inspection.

Senior BTV officials presented details on the damages. A video was shown as well.

Hasina consoled BTV officials and staff members over the attack.

The BTV building was attacked and set on fire on the afternoon of Jul 18 amid a ‘complete shutdown’ programme called by students and job seekers calling for reforms to the quota system for government jobs.

Afterwards, Border Guard Bangladesh took control of the situation.

On Thursday, Hasina had visited the Mirpur-10 Metro Rail Station, which was one of two vandalised by a group of attackers during the protests.