BNP demands UN-led probe into firebombing of vehicles

BNP has demanded international investigation under the supervision of the United Nations into the firebombings earlier this year that led to scores of deaths, reports bdnews24.com.

The party raised the demand Saturday in reaction to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's plan to form a tribunal to try BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for instigating violence during the January-March protests. More than 100 people were killed in the protests, mostly in firebombing of vehicles.

BNP chief Khaleda, other leaders and activists were charged with instigating the firebombings.

On the other hand, Khaleda blamed pro-government supporters and even the police for the firebombings and alleged that was meant to tarnish the BNP's image and help implicate them in cases.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Hasina told Parliament that special anti-terror tribunals would be formed to try Khaleda for instigating the attacks that led to many deaths.

BNP spokesman Asaduzzaman Ripon Saturday told a press conference at the party's Naya Paltan headquarters that it had been demanding international investigation into the firebombings.

"We are renewing the demand following the announcement by the prime minister," he said.

He said a fair investigation could never be expected from the government agencies, which he described as 'partisan'.

"We are demanding an international investigation under the supervision of the United Nations," Ripon added.

The BNP leader said that Khaleda had good reasons to blame the police for the firebombings.

"Such an important leader cannot speak irresponsibly. She said it because she has good reason for that," Ripon said.

Another UNB report adds: Taking a swipe at the Prime Minister for her comment that a tribunal to be formed to try Khaleda Zia, senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan alleged that the government is plotting to score in an empty field of election by convicting their party chairperson.

 "As the government knows it very well it won't be able to punish Khaleda Zia with conventional laws and speedy trial tribunal, the government is planning to form a tribunal to punish her in false cases. They (govt) want to score in an empty field [of election] by convicting Khaleda," he said.