Opening fire to protect lives not rights violation
Opening fire to protect lives not rights violation
BGB will use arms if attacked, its chief says again
Chief of the paramilitary force Border Guard Bangladesh Maj Gen Aziz Ahmed yesterday reiterated that the BGB would retaliate with fire if attacked during the ongoing countrywide blockade.
The same comment made on January 15 had irked the BNP, which along with 19 other parties of the alliance has been enforcing an indefinite nationwide blockade since January 6. The BNP had even issued a statement deploring the comment.
“We will try our best to protect the lives and properties of the people,” the director general of the BGB said yesterday while addressing a views-exchange meeting with journalists at Rangpur sector commander's office.
Maj Gen Aziz said the BGB, following the rules, shoots to protect lives and properties of the people. It is neither a violation of human rights nor is it a violation of the law, he said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other ruling party leaders had been saying that the government would go tough on subversive activities. Social Welfare Minister Syed Mohsin Ali recently said the government was planning to issue orders for shooting arsonists and other saboteurs on sight.
At least 30 people have been killed in violence that gripped the country since January 6.
Earlier in the day, the BGB chief inaugurated officers' quarters, residence of the regional commander, Junior Commissioned Officers' (JCO) mess, SM barracks, staff quarters and office building in Rangpur.