BNP calls for UN-backed investigation into firebomb attacks

Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday reiterated its call for a United Nations-sponsored international investigation into the firebomb attacks on transportations during the anti-government blockade between January and April this year, called by the party and its allies.
BNP spokesman Asaduzzaman Ripon at a news conference at the party’s central office made the call in response to prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent statement in parliament on setting up a special tribunal for holding the trial of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia for ordering the use of petrol bombs and setting fire to vehicles.
Ripon said BNP was once again demanding an international investigation under the supervision of UN to investigate the allegations made by the prime minister and the ruling Awami League leaders.
Ripon said a fair investigation could not be expected from the present ‘partisan and biased, administration and investigation agencies.’
The party spokesman, furthermore, stated there was no involvement of BNP leaders and activists with the allegations raised by the prime minister and the ruling party.
He said it is ‘out of question that Khaleda would give instruction to this end.’
Ripon criticised the prime minister’s statement on setting up a special tribunal, as it was coming from the top level of the government and would therefore naturally influence the outcome.
In reply to a question about removal of LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam, Ripon said it was the internal matter of the government and the ruling party.
Referring to newspapers reports, Ripon said Syed Ashraf was repeatedly irregular in attending to his ministry, which was not consistence with his oath.
He said the government should explain why Ashraf was made minister without portfolio.

- See more at: http://newagebd.net/137555/bnp-calls-for-un-backed-investigation-into-firebomb-attacks/#sthash.o7EtMde5.dpuf