Govt used RAB for N’ganj murders, says Khaleda

NARAYANGANJ, May 13 (Agencies) : BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has said that the government was behind the multiple murders in Narayanganj and that the RAB was used to carry it out.
Speaking to reporters in Narayanganj today, she reiterated her demand to disband the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
"This force is working against the people and is not needed anymore." Khaleda alleged that the members of the elite force helped councillor Nur Hossain, the prime accused in the seven-murder case, flee to India.
"We've come to know RAB has sent Nur Hossain to India. They're helping offenders flee the country and kill and abduct and make people disappeared. Why are they so powerful? They've terrorised people," she said
The former prime minister and opposition leader went to the city to meet the families of victims.
Khaleda reached the home of the slain Narayanganj City Corporation Councillor Nazrul Islam around 12 pm.
The families of four associates of the councilor, who were also abducted and later killed, were present there.
Khaleda Zia urged the government to quit right away shouldering the responsibility for all the incidents of forced disappearances and killings.
"The Prime Minister who is also holding the portfolio of the Home Minister, she cannot avoid the responsibility for the continued countrywide killings, abductions and forced disappearances. She is responsible for those killed in Narayanganj. I demand the Prime Minister and her government quit immediately," she said.
She expressed her wonder as the sacked Rab officials have not yet been arrested despite the High Court (HC) order.
The BNP chief said the chief of the Rab-11, who is reportedly involved in the murders, considered himself as very powerful person as he is a son-in-law of a minister of Hasina's cabinet."
Khaleda demanded all the criminals and sacked officials involved in the seven murders be arrested soon and meted out exemplary punishment.
She warned the government that the people of Narayanganj and all other parts of the country will take to the streets if those involved in the murders are not given highest punishment. "We'll also be forced to take to the streets."
The BNP chief said killings, abductions and forced disappearances will not stop as long as this regime is there in office. "So, this government must quit."
Khaleda alleged that the family members of the victims are receiving various threats for giving information about the gruesome killings.  "You've played a courageous role in exposing those behind the killings. No one will be spared if anyone of these family members suffers any harm."
Khaleda talked to the bereaved family members of Nazrul and four other victims -Tajul, Liton, Swapan and Jahangir-at Nazrul's house, and consoled them.
A heartrending scene was created as Khaleda was consoling the family members of the victims. The victim's family members said they want justice through exemplary punishment to all those involved in the killings of their near and dear ones.
Later, Khaleda went to the house of another victim, lawyer Chandan Kumar Sarker, at Jahlkuri in Fatullah upazila. Family members of Chandan's slain diver Ibrahim was also present there.