BNP today (August 18, 2022) demanded an independent investigation under the supervision of the United Nations on the incidents of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
"UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet suggested forming a separate commission to investigate the incidents of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. We have been saying this for a long time," said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP secretary general.
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"We want an independent investigation under the United Nations and punishment of the culprits," he added.
Talking to the press at the party chairperson's Gulshan office, the BNP leader said around 600 political leaders and activists, people from civil society and labour leaders were victims of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh.
When asked about ruling party leaders' statements that most of the BNP's statements on enforced disappearances are political, Fakhrul said, "It is natural that they would not acknowledge it."
Without naming Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader's statement that the UN has no jurisdiction to investigate any internal issue in Bangladesh, Fakhrul said, "It seems that such incidents took place in the country. You (journalists) must have listened to the statements of the police officers. Netra News report proved that the whole state is involved with this crime."
The BNP leader said there is no atmosphere of holding talks in the country and it would not materialise till the party Chairperson Khaleda Zia is released and cases filed against her are withdrawn.
He also said dialogue with the ruling party will not be possible till the government steps down from the office and dissolve the parliament.
