Govt carrying out ‘extra-judicial killing’ in name of anti-drug drive: Fakhrul

BNP today blasted the government for “carrying out extra-judicial killing” in the name of the anti-drug drive and asked it to net the people within the government involved in drug rackets.

"Please refrain from the extra-judicial killing in the name of the anti-drug drive and arrest your own men involved in the drug rackets," BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said while addressing an iftar party in Dhaka.

Fakhrul came up with the call when at least nine alleged drug peddlers were killed in what the law enforcement agencies described as “gunfight” over last night countrywide crackdown against narcotics.

"Anti-drug crackdown is going on across the country. It’s a good sign. But the government should start first nabbing its own men involved in the illegal business," he said.

The BNP leader also criticised the government as “it has let loose its Cox's Bazar lawmaker for running his drug business instead of taking action”.  

Expressing his party's grave concern over the growing trend of the “extra-judicial killing”, Fakhrul said some of his party men have met the same fate during such socalled anti-drug drive.

"We, all want a narcotic free country and trial of the drug traders. But it does not mean that the people involved in such business will be victimised of the extra-judicial killing," he said.

Blaming the government for “confining BNP Chairperson in jail illegally”, Fakhrul said the government's desire is being reflected in the trial proceedings of Khaleda Zia.

Citing irregularities and corruption in financial and education sectors, Fakhrul also called upon the countrymen to be united against the government.