Khaleda for neutral probe

Leader of the opposition and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday demanded a high profile neutral body to probe the attacks on Buddhist community at Ramu in Cox's Bazar on September 29.
“Form a high profile committee led by a neutral person and bring the real culprits under trial so that such incident does not repeat,” she urged the government while talking to the Buddhist community leaders, who came to meet her at her Gulshan office from Ramu, Ukhia and Patiya upazilas last night.
She said if the government failed to do so, her party would take stern action if voted to power.
The former premier said, “None should comment before the investigation is over. Photos of those who brought out procession after the attack were published. So any comment can hinder proper investigation.”
Khaleda was hinting at the prime minister's recent statement where she blamed the local BNP lawmaker for instigating attackers.
Proggyabongso Mohathero of Ramu Ramcoat Buddhist temple urged the BNP chief to visit the area. “This issue should not be considered from the political point of view. We will have to face this situation together,” he said.
The former premier said, “I could not visit the affected area due to my China visit. I will visit Ramu and other places after returning home.”
Khaleda is scheduled to visit China on October 14.
Terming the Ramu violence unacceptable, she said, “Soon after hearing about the attack I condemned it through a statement. I have sent an investigation committee. The committee report will be made public soon. The report will even be handed to international community.”
She said it was suspicious that the police had remained silent during the attack. “The reason behind the silence must be revealed and the government has to take action against those who did not play their roles properly.”
Party leaders Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Nazrul Islam Khan and Sadeque Hossain Khoka and Prof Sukomol Barua of Dhaka University, among others, were present at the meeting.