Leader of the opposition in parliament, Khaleda Zia, yesterday demanded tough actions and trial of the killers of army officers and others in BDR Headquarters, through proper investigation of each killing and torture.She said announcing the general amnesty while army personnel and their family members were confined in Pilkhana was 'a strategic mistake'.
The BNP chairperson also said it is clear that the number of casualties rose due to a delay in giving permission to launch the operation for rescuing the army officers and their family members. "Time was wasted in the name of negotiations and junior level representatives were assigned," she said
She made the observations public through a media briefing last night in her Gulshan office, but she did not take any question from reporters.
Earlier in the day, she visited the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka to see first hand the casualties of the BDR mutiny, and later met the bereaved families of slain army officers.
She also stood in silence before the coffins of slain army officers.
"It is clear that the incident was instigated by some anti-state forces, I am demanding that the conspiracy is unearthed," Khaleda said, adding that the Pilkhana tragedy has given rise to resentments and mistrust which must be resolved soon.
She said, "The nation wants to know how the killers fled after surrendering arms following the announcement of the general amnesty. The government should disclose specific information on the matters for the sake of national interest."