High-ups' remarks on Limon protested

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, a component of ruling Awami League-led grand alliance, yesterday protested the statements of government high-ups regarding Limon Hossain, who was shot to disability by Rapid Action Battalion.

In a statement, JSD Executive President Mainuddin Khan Badal, and General Secretary Sharif Nurul Ambia said the recent remarks on Limon by the prime minister's defence adviser, the home minister, and the director general of Rab is unfortunate as the high-ups said Limon and his father are involved in a "criminal gang".

They also demanded removal of the cases filed against Limon, and urged the government to ensure his proper treatment.

On Thursday at a press conference with a selected group of reporters, Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique claimed that both Limon, whose left leg was amputated after a Rab team shot him on March 23, and his father are members of a criminal gang.

Home Minister Sahara Khatun on Sunday defended Tarique Ahmed, saying his remark on Limon is a government statement. Rab yesterday echoed the statement of Tarique Ahmed that Limon has "criminal link".

However, on April 11, Rab Director General Mokhlesur Rahman admitted that Limon Hossain is not a notorious criminal.

The JSD leaders said while a government probe into the incident is going on, the remarks of the prime minister's defence adviser did not only influenced the investigation process, but also it will inspire the perpetrators.

They also condemned the diatribe against the media by the government high-ups. Tarique Ahmed in the press conference criticised some newspapers' role on the issue.

"When all the people of the country want investigation and punishment for incidents of extra-judicial killings and torture by law enforcement agencies, the statements of the prime minister's adviser has created frustration and anger among the people," the JSD leaders said in the statement.

They said the government should remove the persons who are using administrative power to impede the investigation process.

On Saturday another component of the grand-alliance, Workers Party, condemned the statement of the prime minister's defence adviser terming his statement as unfortunate.

Source: The Daily Star (May 24, 2011)

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