Bagerhat: Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Tuesday claimed that more than 4,500 BNP leaders and activists were killed in the name of 'crossfire' and around 700 others were subjected to enforced disappearances during the 17 years of the previous government.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister highlighted these figures while speaking as the chief guest at a meeting on law and order and development at the conference room of the Bagerhat deputy commissioner's office. He mentioned that many leaders and activists were targeted due to their association with BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.
The minister further stated that more than 60 lakh people faced 'false and fabricated cases' for their involvement in BNP and Jamaat politics during the previous government. He emphasized that police were the plaintiffs in 99 percent of those cases, implying a systemic issue in the filing of cases against political opponents.
Asaduzzaman noted changes in the current situation, stating that police are no longer filing cases as plaintiffs to harass political opponents. However, he acknowledged that the culture of false cases has not been entirely eradicated. He explained that when families of political groups or victims file cases, many names might be included, irrespective of the truth behind the allegations. He assured that police are now verifying such allegations before taking action.
On the issue of drugs, Asaduzzaman pointed out that masterminds behind drug syndicates remain beyond the reach of law enforcement, alleging that drugs are being smuggled into the country by drones from across the border. He declared a stance of zero tolerance on drugs, warning that any party leader involved will face consequences. He described drug abuse as a social disease and called for collective efforts to eliminate it from society.
He urged law enforcement agencies to bring anyone facing allegations under the law, irrespective of their influence. The meeting was chaired by Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Mohammad Baten and attended by local lawmakers, government officials, and representatives of various professions.
Earlier in the day, Asaduzzaman held a meeting with judicial officers at the Bagerhat District Judges Court and later engaged in a view-exchange meeting with BNP leaders and activists at the Bagerhat District Council auditorium.