Rights bodies silent on BNP-Jamaat violence

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday criticised a section of human rights organisations of the country for their silence when BNP-Jamaat activists were killing people through arson attacks.

She also questioned their intention, saying they are “extreme opportunists”.

"So many people were burned alive. Was not that the violation of human rights? None of these human rights organisations uttered a single word when Khaleda Zia was killing people through arson attacks. How could they remain mum at that time?" she questioned.

Hasina, also chief of the Awami League, was delivering her introductory speech at the party's advisory council meeting at her official residence in Gano Bhaban.

Citing examples of some incidents like the meeting of Hefajat-e Islam, she said some human rights organisations at that time gave false information on casualties and raised a hue and cry to draw international attention.

"But when the BNP-Jamaat alliance was killing people in the name of a movement they were silent at that time, too... they didn't have anything to say, even the ink of their pen ran out.

“These organisations are also responsible for these killings, there is nothing about human rights for them, they are just extreme opportunists, they have some agenda in their minds," she told the meeting.

Hasina reiterated her government's firm stance against militancy and the perpetrators of rights violation, and said her government would take whatever steps needed to deal with these evil elements.