Foreign Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud said on Wednesday that former President HM Ershad and BNP chief Khaleda Zia rewarded police commissioner Rakibul Huda, the main perpetrator of Chattogram mass killings.
“Rakibul Huda was the main person behind the black chapter that was written through the killing in Chattogram on January 24, 1988. Ershad also promoted him and later BNP leader Khaleda Zia also promoted him," he said.
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“On that day, 24 people were killed in a shots fired like rain to assassinate Sheikh Hasina. The police commissioner was not accused of this crime, rather rewarded,” said the foreign minister while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organised by Chattogram North, South and Metropolitan Awami League on the occasion of ‘Chattogram Mass Killings Day’ on Wednesday evening.
Describing the context of the day, the minister said, "On January 24, 1988, Sheikh Hasina led a procession in Chattogram. On that day, an attempt was made to kill the leader of the people by shooting people like hunting birds.”
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“Although the death toll on that day was 24, many bodies disappeared, many people were injured. The whole city was darkened in the evening. Some people around the leader's truck were killed, even shots were fired at the leader. When the firing stopped, the leaders of the Bar Association took the leader to the court building.”
Hasan said that obstacles were created in holding the 12th parliamentary election, but the country is moving forward under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, overcoming all obstacles.
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“A good election was held in the country under the leadership of the Election Commission and with the overall cooperation of the government. There was an acceptable election at home and abroad.”
"Those who try to question the vote are actually raising questions to save their face. BNP has now brought Dr Moyeen Khan instead of the previous leaders. If he can do something by saying nice things,’’ he said.
“BNP has failed to face Sheikh Hasina in politics. There is a lot of dissatisfaction against Tarique Rahman inside. That discontent will explode at some point,” he also said.
Chattogram City Awami League President Mahtab Uddin Chowdhury presided over the meeting while Chattogram South District General Secretary Mofizur Rahman moderated it.