PM seeks FBI, Scotland Yard's help for probe

FE Team | Published: March 02, 2009 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

The Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has said she has sought assistance from the US and UN to probe the Feb 25-26 BDR murders, report agencies.

She told parliament Sunday that she had asked a senior US official for helping with the investigation into the incidents that saw 135 army officers killed or missing.

"I have had discussions with (assistant secretary of state) Richard Boucher today (Sunday).

I told him I want FBI assistance in the probe," the prime minister said.

"I'd also like Scotland Yard (of the UK) to help us, and I have already sought UN support," she said.

Earlier, She sought FBI assistance in investigating the BDR mutiny to identify the real culprits

She sought the assistance when US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher telephoned her Sunday morning, the Foreign Ministry said.

During the phone talk, the Prime Minister observed that the February 25-26 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) incident might be a part of "conspiracy". She sought assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the investigation in digging out real culprits and meting out them appropriate punishment.

Boucher called PM Hasina on behalf of Secretary of State Hilary Clinton to praise the Bangladesh government's role, said a US embassy statement. He also mentioned the continued support of the US for the government and the people of Bangladesh.

He also stressed the importance of national unity to overcome the national tragedy.

"He emphasised, in particular, the importance of cooperation between the government and the opposition to resolve the crisis," said the statement.

Boucher also lauded the government's efforts to assist the survivors, honour those who were killed, and bring those guilty to justice.

The assistant secretary of state reiterated the United States' willingness to render all possible assistance to the government.

Commander of the United States Pacific Command, Admiral Timothy Keating, wrote to Army chief General Moeen U Ahmed Saturday to express condolences for the loss of life, the statement said.

US Ambassador James F Moriarty also spoke with General Moeen Saturday to applaud his leadership of the military in support of the new democratically-elected government at "this crucial time."