BNP to hold convention on post-poll violence

The main opposition BNP has taken an initiative to organise a national convention on post-election violence in a bid to create public opinion against “torture and repression on their supporters” across the country after the December 29 elections.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has assigned a group of former leaders of Jatiyatatabdi Chatra Dal, student wing of BNP, who are known as 'student leaders of 80's'. Besides, a convening committee might be formed within a day or two with Ferdous Ahmed Khokon as its convener to make the convention successful.
Party insiders say a documentary is being prepared on leaders and workers of the party who were killed or injured by their political opponents. Besides, posters, leaflets and booklets might be published for creating public opinion against the cruelty experienced by BNP supporters after the polls.
Asked about the initiative, Ferdous Ahmed yesterday told The Daily Star, "The convention will be organised with a view to presenting post-election violence against BNP activists across the country."
He said the convention might be held late this month or early March and they are now collecting information, video footages and photographs of their leaders and supporters who were tortured.
BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain has recently claimed at least 31 leaders, workers and supporters of his party were killed by ruling party's cadres after the elections.
Sources say the party high command has not decided yet whether any human rights body would be involved in the organising process of the convention, though some renowned personalities might be invited as guests.
The Awami League (AL) also organised a national convention on 'crime against humanity' on February 14-15 in 2002 in the capital with focus on post-election atrocities on thousands of its supporters and members of the minority community that took place after the 2001 parliamentary elections.