Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Thursday categorically asked the BDR rebels to immediately surrender arms and go back to barracks, failing which she warned of tough action against them in national interest, reports UNB.
"Lay down arms forthwith and go back to barracks. Otherwise, I will be compelled to take any measure for the interest of the countrymen. Don't force me to take that step," she told the mutineers through her address to the nation over television and radio.
The premier, whose government faced with this grave crisis only after its 50 days in office, reaffirmed a general amnesty for the rebels, saying: "We don't want to add to the tragedy through such reprisals."
She reassured the people that the government is carrying on its efforts to solve their problems and already a high-level committee has been formed.
Prime Minister Hasina, who held a series of meetings with her cabinet and senior leaders of the ruling Awami League and allies in the grand alliance at her official residence Jamuna earlier in the day, also sought cooperation of the countrymen in overcoming the current crisis.
"Exercise restraint and surrender arms, as confrontation begets confrontation. Stop these suicidal activities," she in her address directed the rebellious members of the country's border security force who took control of the headquarters Wednesday from their officers deputed from the army.
She asked them not to take the law into their own hands and obey the chain of command.
In her national address, made at 2:23pm, the Prime Minister assured them that there would be no harm done to them if they availed the mercy.
The Prime Minister urged BDR, police, ansar and the armed forces to refrain from paying heed to any instigation from any vested quarters as well as to remain alert about rumours from certain quarters trying to destabilize the situation.
In her fervent call she requested all to hold patience and maintain peace.
The PM expressed deep shock at the loss life of some officers of the patriotic armed forces, BDR members and civilians in the bloody revolt and mentioned her feelings and experience of pain and sorrow of losing near and dear ones.
She said that a high-level committee headed by the Home Minister has been formed to examine the problems of the BDR and recommend their pragmatic solution.
Prime Minister Hasina said her government is advancing to solve the crisis through discussion but not by applying force.
She urged all irrespective of opinions and parties not to make any comment or resort to any activity, in greater national interest, which could deteriorate the situation and hamper public safety.
She said she was shocked at the unwarranted incident at BDR Peelkhana headquarters on Wednesday and the loss of life of some officers of the patriotic armed forces, members of BDR and civilians.
Hasina prayed peace for the departed souls and conveyed sympathy to members of the bereaved families.
She said arrangement for proper treatment for the injured has been made and the Health Minister has been supervising the treatment.
Narrating her personal experience of bearing the pains of losing near and dear ones, the PM called for them not take to any suicidal path and leave that path.
"Who are you firing bullets upon? They are your brothers - don't make sisters widow and make mothers sonless," Hasina said directing her emotive words to the mutineers.
In her about seven-minute speech, the Prime Minister described the situation before her government took power, her party's election pledges and the steps taken by the government to resolve the BDR' armed uprising, including sending her delegation to the BDR headquarters.
She said that she had talked with delegation of the rebels, listened to them patiently and requested them to surrender their arms and go back to the barracks.
The PM said it is her government's responsibility to protect the fundamental rights of countrymen of the independent and sovereign country.
Referring to miserable situation of people, particularly low-income group, in last seven years following high prices of food and essentials, she said her party in its election manifesto committed for change and people supported them and voted to power.
Go back to barracks or face tough action, PM asks rebels
FE Team | Published: February 27, 2009 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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