Bangladesh Unrest: Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to resign as Bangladesh Prime Minister as a result of a political coup, in her first statement since escaping the country demanded punishment for those who are involved in killings and acts of vandalism in July, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
The son of deposed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sajeeb Wazed Joy released a statement on behalf of her on his social media handle X.
The post reads, “Brothers and sisters, on August 15, 1975, the President of Bangladesh, the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was brutally murdered. I extend my deep respect to him. At the same time, I mourn the murder of my mother Begum Fazilatunnesa, my three brothers—freedom fighters Captain Sheikh Kamal, Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal, and the newlywed brides of Kamal and Jamal, Sultana Kamal and Rozy Jamal—and my younger brother, Sheikh Russell, who was only 10 years old. I also mourn the murder of my only uncle, freedom fighter disabled Sheikh Naser, the President’s Military Secretary Brigadier Jamiluddin, and Police Officer Siddiquur Rahman.”
“Freedom fighter Sheikh Fazlul Haq Mani and his pregnant wife Arju Mani, Agricultural Minister and freedom fighter Abdur Rob Sarniabad, his 10-year-old son Arif, 13-year-old daughter Baby, 4-year-old grandson Sukanta, brother’s son freedom fighter journalist Shaheed Sarniabad, nephew Rantu, and many others were also brutally killed. I pray for the souls of all those who attained martyrdom on August 15 and offer my respects to them.”
“Since July, the violence, arson, and terrorism carried out in the name of protests have resulted in the loss of many lives. I extend my condolences to the students, teachers, police officers, including pregnant police officers, journalists, cultural workers, working people, and members of the Awami League and its allied organizations, as well as pedestrians and those working in various institutions who have fallen victim to this terrorism. I pray for their souls and offer my sympathy to those who are left grieving,”
“I demand a thorough investigation into this massacre and the identification and punishment of those responsible,” Hasina wrote.
“Dear Fellow Citizens, The house in Dhanmondi, which bore the memory of the horrific murder on August 15, 1975, was dedicated to the people of Bengal by my two sisters and me. It was turned into a memorial museum. People from all walks of life, both domestic and international dignitaries, have visited this house. This museum, carrying the memory of our independence, is of great significance,” she said.
“It is with profound sorrow that I acknowledge the burning down of this memorial, which was a pillar of our survival and a symbol of our struggle. It has been a severe disrespect to the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose leadership we gained our national dignity, identity, and independence. This act is an insult to the blood of the countless martyrs. I urge the nation to seek justice for this.”
“Dear Fellow Citizens, I request you to observe National Mourning Day on August 15 with appropriate solemnity. Please offer floral tributes at the Bangabandhu Bhaban and pray for the souls of all those who have passed away. May Almighty Allah grant prosperity to the people of Bangladesh. Khoda Hafiz,” the post reads.
Hasina taking temporary shelter in India
Sheikh Hasina is taking temporary shelter in India after she contacted New Delhi at short notice in wake of the collapse of the government in Dhaka amid political unrest in the country.
India extended help to Hasina as she left the country amid life-threatening situation after the former PM was forced by her family.
A few days ago, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy said that Bangladesh former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will return to her country when its new caretaker government decides to hold elections, her son has said.
Murder charges against Sheikh Hasina
Sheikh Hasina and six others, including two senior ministers of her cabinet and the sacked police chief, would face trial on murder charges, court officials said on Tuesday.
The murder case filed against 76-year-old Hasina is the first so far against her since she resigned and fled to India on August 5. She and six others over the death of a grocery shop owner during last month’s violent clashes that led to the fall of her government.
“In line with a case filed by a resident of (Dhaka’s) Mohammadpur area, Metropolitan Magistrate Rajesh Chowdhury has asked police to register it as an FIR,” a court official said.
He said that six others who were named in the case are: Awami League general secretary and former road transport minister Obaidul Quader, home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and sacked inspector general of police (IGP) Abdullah Al Mamun, Dhaka’s police commissioner Habibur Rahman, Additional IGP Harun-or-Rashid and additional joint commissioner Biplab Kumar.
While Hasina fled to India, the two ministers are believed to have secretly left the country hours before her resignation on August 5 while the whereabouts of the police officers remained unknown to the media.
With inputs from PTI
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