2009 mutiny part of govt plot: BNP

The government wanted to make the nation dependent by leaving the border unprotected, asserts the main opposition's spokesperson

Dhaka, Feb 25 (bdnews24.com) – The 2009 mutiny by the border guards was part of the government's blueprint aimed at making the nation dependent by leaving the border unprotected, alleged BNP on Saturday – the third anniversary of the bloody mutiny which saw 57 army officials and 16 others killed.

"The government tried to kill two birds with one stone," party's acting secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told a programme organised to commemorate those killed in the mutiny.

"The national defence mechanism stands weakened since the mutiny, and the border was left defenceless...they (the government) have made the country dependent," he said elaborating his contention.

Fakhrul said the mutiny by some members of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), renamed as Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) after the mutiny, was aimed at weakening the defence forces.

"The government later linked opposition leaders, including former BNP MP Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu, with the incident to change the course of investigation," he said.

Although some Awami League leaders' names had surfaced in the media in connection with the unfortunate incident, none of them was booked, Fakhrul maintained.

"The government has not only weakened the defence forces, but it also is destroying all democratic organisations one after another. They are creating a confrontational situation by repealing the impartial election system."

He urged everyone to join protests to thwart the government's moves.

The audience observed a one-minute silence to commemorate the deceased and prayed for the departed souls.

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