Asaduzzaman Khan says the violence during the BNP antigovernment rally was orchestrated by the party leadership
Published : 03 Nov 2023, 01:40 PM
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan says the senior leaders of the BNP cannot evade accountability for the violence and chaos that roiled the capital during the opposition group's antigovernment rally on Oct 28.
"The top leaders of BNP were pulling all the strings. Their decisions led to the attacks on the chief justice's residence and the homes of judges, violence against women, and the killing of a police officer. Therefore, they cannot escape responsibility," he said after paying his respects to the four national leaders at Dhaka's old central jail on Friday.
"They announced a hartal and organised rallies. We have seen them fulfil their promises during previous rallies. But they immediately resorted to violence during the rally on Oct 28."
On Oct 28, violent clashes between law enforcers and BNP loyalists erupted during the opposition group's rally in Naya Paltan. A policeman was beaten to death, while several others, including journalists, were injured. The violence also affected a police hospital and the residence of the chief justice.
The home minister also pointed out that female activists of the Awami League were attacked as they were passing by the chief justice's residence to join the ruling party's peace rally.
"When the police tried to protect them, they were attacked as well. They [BNP loyalists] carried out one atrocity after another, including the killing of a policeman and attacks on journalists.
"They even attacked a hospital, setting fire to an ambulance and vandalising other vehicles. While one policeman died, another is still fighting for his life."
Khan said the violence during the BNP rally was 'premeditated' and 'orchestrated' by the party leadership.
"No one who was present that day can avoid responsibility for the terrible situation that unfolded. They had initially planned to gather at the Nightingale intersection, but they altered their course and took a stand in front of the chief justice's residence with the intent to launch an attack."
"The leaders made decisions, and the activists executed them. So the leaders cannot evade responsibility for the violence that unfolded."