Dhaka, Aug 30 (V7N): BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the government to provide state benefits to the families of individuals who were disappeared and killed during the previous Awami League administration.

Fakhrul made this demand during a rally held in front of the BNP central office in Naya Paltan on Friday afternoon, in observance of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.

In his keynote address, Fakhrul stated, “The fall of the oppressive and tyrannical government was brought about by the combined efforts of students and the general public. We can now breathe freely. The interim government chief signed the international convention against enforced disappearances on Thursday.”

He also called for an investigation into all the killings that occurred under the Awami League government, emphasizing that this inquiry should be conducted under the supervision of the United Nations.

Fakhrul further noted, “There are still ongoing conspiracies to undermine the victory of freedom-loving people. It is essential for BNP leaders and activists to remain united and vigilant. Those responsible for disappearances and killings under the pretext of various security forces must be identified and brought to justice.”

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed recounted his own experience, saying, “On the night of March 10, 2015, around 9:30 PM, I was abducted from a house in Uttara by individuals claiming to be law enforcement. I was then kept in a dark room.” He accused Benazir Ahmed and Ziaul Hasan of being the main figures behind the enforced disappearances and called for thorough interrogation of Ziaul Hasan to uncover the full extent of the disappearances and killings.

Another BNP Standing Committee member, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, emphasized, “The true story behind the enforced disappearances and killings during Sheikh Hasina’s government needs to be revealed. Sheikh Hasina was the chief architect of this campaign of disappearances and killings.”

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