PM appeals, warns
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday warned the mutinous border guards (BDR) of tough action against them for the sake of national interest unless they surrender arms immediately to go back to the barracks.
In a televised address to the nation she warned: “Lay down your guns immediately and go back to barracks. Don't force me to take tough actions.”
The premier reaffirmed a general amnesty for the rebels, saying: “We don't want to add to the tragedy through such reprisals.”
Pointing out government's efforts to resolve problems of BDR, she said already a high-level committee headed by the home minister has been formed to examine their problems for making a recommendation in this regard.
Hasina, who held a series of meetings with her cabinet and senior leaders of Awami League and its allies at Jamuna earlier in the day, also sought cooperation of the people in overcoming the existing crisis.
“Exercise restraint and surrender arms, as confrontation begets confrontation. Stop these suicidal activities,” she directed the BDR men.
She urged them not to take the law into their own hands and obey the chain of command.
In the address, made at 2:23pm, the prime minister assured the rebels that there would be no harm done to them if they accepted the mercy.
Sheikh Hasina urged BDR, police, ansar and the armed forces to refrain from paying heed to the instigation of any vested quarters as well as to remain alert to the rumours from certain quarters trying to destabilise the situation.
In her fervent call she requested all to hold patience and maintain peace.
The premier expressed deep shock at the loss of life of some officers of armed forces, BDR members and civilians in the bloody revolt and mentioned her feelings and experience of pain and sorrow of losing near and dear ones.
She prayed peace for the departed souls and conveyed sympathy to members of the bereaved families.
Hasina said her government is advancing to resolve the crisis through discussion but not by applying force.
She urged all irrespective of opinions and parties not to make any comment or resort to any activity, in greater national interest, which could deteriorate the situation and hamper public safety.
She mentioned that arrangement for proper treatment for the injured has been made under the supervision of the health minister.
“Who are you firing bullets upon? They are your brothers - don't make sisters widow and make mothers sonless,” Hasina said directing her emotive words to the mutineers.
The prime minister said it is her government's responsibility to protect the fundamental rights of people as the citizen of independent and sovereign country.
In her about 7-minute speech, the prime minister described the situation before her government took power, her party's election pledges and the steps taken by the government to resolve the BDR' armed uprising, including sending her delegation to the BDR headquarters.
Pointing out the talk with delegation of the rebels, she said that she listened to them patiently and requested them to surrender their arms and go back to the barracks.
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