Khaleda demands probe into murders

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has demanded investigation into alleged forced disappearances, murders and extrajudicial killings in Bangladesh by a high-level commission, report agencies.
The former prime minister urged the people to raise their voice for a 'free and fair' general election participated by all political parties.
"I demand the formation of a credible and effective investigative commission into these incidents," she told the press Thursday night at her Gulshan office.
She said a former Supreme Court chief justice should lead the commission.
Other members should be picked from among famous senior lawyers of the apex court, representatives of national and international rights organisations and journalists.
The BNP chief's press briefing came hours after police thwarted the party's bid to organise a discussion at Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in the city. Police barred the BNP rally scheduled to be held Thursday afternoon.
Dhaka City BNP was to arrange the rally in protest against the rising incidents of killing, force disappearance and abduction across the country.
BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia was scheduled to address the rally as the chief guest. Eminent citizens, senior journalists and foreign diplomats were invited to the programme.
"'Senior police officials told us we're not allowed to hold the rally as Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) did not give us permission," Dhaka City BNP member secretary Abdus Salam said.
Meanwhile, acting Secretary General of the party Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said  there is no democracy in Bangladesh and it has been proved. He said this after police stopped a meeting of the party from being held at Dhaka's Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB).
"This government has obstructed our meeting in a completely illegal and undemocratic way," he said.
BNP leaders will hold a meeting Thursday night to finalise programmes protesting against the police obstruction.
Hearing about the developments, Fakhrul came to IEB Thursday noon and sent three senior leaders including Joint Secretary General Barkat Ullah Bulu to the office of Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner.
After their efforts to secure permission failed, Fakhrul told reporters, "This is the proof how this illegal government is denying basic rights."
The party had obtained permission from the IEB authorities several days ago for the meeting, he said, adding that they had also written to the DMP.
The BNP leaders including Fakhrul waited at the IEB main gate until 4pm.