BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain yesterday said those who tortured the party's senior joint secretary general Tarique Rahman in custody after his arrest must be brought to justice.
"Those who are responsible for torture and repression will not be forgiven. They must be brought to justice," he said while inaugurating a procession organised by Jatiyatabadi Chatra Dal (JCD) in front of BNP central office at Naya Paltan in the city.
He also said that if the present government believes itself to be democratic, it should take initiatives to put on trial those who seized power illegally and also those who backed them.
JCD organised the procession to mark the first anniversary of release of Tarique Rahman, son of party chairperson Khaleda Zia. Tarique was arrested on March 7, 2007 in an anti-corruption drive during the immediate past caretaker government.
The procession, led by JCD leaders, ended at Mohanagar Natya Mancha at Gulistan in the city.
Earlier in the morning, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia placed wreaths at the grave of late president Ziaur Rahman, founder of BNP, at Sher-e-Bangla nagar. Senior leaders, including the secretary general, were also present.
Hundreds of party leaders, workers and supporters gathered at the Zia's grave and placed wreaths to mark the day.
Asking the government to withdraw all cases filed against BNP leaders, including the members of Zia's family, Delwar also said the government has adopted double standard policy as it has only withdrawing the cases filed against the ruling party leaders.
After his release, Tarique left for London on September 11 last year and issued a statement saying that he had quit active politics as well as the post of senior joint secretary general of the party.