Kibria's son slates speaker's statement

Dr Reza Kibria, son of the slain former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria, yesterday condemned a statement made by Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar on his father's attack and death, saying it reflects the Speaker's sheer 'ineptitude', 'incompetence' and perhaps something much more 'sinister'.

The Speaker on Sunday told reporters that he learned about the attack and death of former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria from the newspapers on the day following the incident.

Dr Reza Kibria, speaking yesterday at a conference at his father's Dhanmondi residence, said various people, including the Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina, tried to contact the Speaker but could not reach him by telephone.

"The inability of people to contact him in the critical hours following the attack (a period of about four hours) is something that needs to be thoroughly investigated when the FBI commences its inquiries," Dr Reza said, adding that all the Speaker's statements need to be carefully analysed.

He continued, "My father might have lived had he been transported to Dhaka by helicopter. The Speaker has failed in his duty to help arrange this [helicopter] and my family, I and all our friends across the country want to know why."

Like others holding office in the BNP-Jamaat government, the Speaker has acted with impunity in the past and hidden behind a web of lies and deceit, Reza added.

Dr Reza, speculating that perhaps the Speaker had given instructions "not to be disturbed under any circumstances," put forward a question whether the Speaker was aware of the circumstances that would ensue.

He added, "Note that he made no effort to go to the BIRDEM hospital when much of Dhaka became aware of what had happened and a large number of people had gone there to await the arrival of the ambulance carrying my father."

Referring to the statement of the Speaker, Reza said, "He is displeased with me and I with him because of his 'wilful negligence.'"

Reza speculated that the Speaker either had a "diplomatic illness" lasting just until Shah AMS Kibria was dead, or that he fell asleep at 7pm and could not be awakened, or even perhaps that he does not have a television or radio set.

He said society is now running by a government that can not even help arrange a helicopter or even an ambulance for a 73-year-old person. Dr Reza ended by saying, "I am not making anyone responsible. I have just presented available facts."

Later Asma Kibria said, "I want a trial for the government. There has to be a complete neutral investigation and punishment of the killing."

She said, "I know if people join with us the government will be bound to have the trial." She urged people all strata of life to join the silent sit-in to be held on February 12 from 4.30pm to 5pm. Another programme will be announced on February 9, she added.

Meanwhile, in a demand for trial of the killing of Kibria, they will likely start a signature collection programme today, using waterproof red felt pens for the signatures on a 10-yard long and 45-inch wide US-made cloth at districts levels, with the help of women and human rights organisations. A human chain will follow, Asma Kibria said.