BNP on US sanctions: It’s inevitable consequence of HR violations

BNP today described the US sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and its seven current and former top officials as an inevitable consequence of serious violations of human rights.

“As per news published today (Saturday), sanctions have been imposed on Benazir Ahmed (current IGP) and the RAB chief. I don't think it's a surprise as I it's an inevitable consequence,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Speaking at a discussion, he also said those who violate human rights, snatch human rights and kill people have to face such a consequence.

The BNP leader said their party now wants to see whether the government takes action against those who are accused of violating human rights or remains silent as in the past.

Fakhrul said the US sanctions have also proved right what BNP has long been talking about the violations of human rights and killing and torturing of people by using the state machinery, including police and administration.

“What a shame it is that a country that likes the United States has imposed sanctions on our police and Rab chiefs. The reasons behind the sanctions are violation of human rights and unlawfully killing people and making many disappeared. They must be made accountable to people someday for such misdeeds.”

National People’s Party (NPP) arranged the discussion at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), demanding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s treatment abroad.

The United States on Friday imposed human rights-related sanctions on Benzir Ahmed, current Inspector General of the Bangladesh Police and former Director General of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and six other individuals on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.UNB.

MSH/