N Online:
BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has called for accountability over the “harassment” of party leaders and activists through politically motivated cases during the Awami League’s 15-year rule, questioning who will compensate them for their suffering.
Khosru made the remarks on Sunday, reacting immediately after being acquitted in a case filed under the Special Powers Act, related to an alleged “conspiracy” during the student-led Road Safety Movement protests in 2018.
Judge Md Jannatul Ferdous Ibne Haque of Dhaka’s Special Tribunal-14 acquitted Khosru along with four others in the case lodged at Shahbagh Police Station.
“There are 42 cases against me. For years, we had to spend two days every week just attending court hearings. I don’t know how long it will take to clear all these cases. Today, one case was disposed of, but many others remain,” Khosru said.
He added, “It’s not just me — over six million BNP leaders and activists have been harassed with false cases. Many were imprisoned, abducted, and killed. They were forced to flee their homes, resign from jobs, and shut down businesses.”
The senior BNP leader went on to ask, “What will happen to these people? Who will compensate them? Will the state offer reparations? I don’t hear anyone talking about their suffering. Those who fought for the democratic movement against autocracy over the past 15 years — who will stand for them? Their plight remains ignored.”
