BNP backs fair trials for army members accused of wrongdoing

BNP flag and Bangladesh Army logo. UNB_11zon

Dhaka, Oct 12 – Stating that it fully agrees with the common desire to bring to trial those members of the army who crossed the line, the BNP on Saturday night said fair and impartial trials of relevant crimes are essential to protect democracy, human rights and the army’s professionalism.

In a statement, signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the party also said justice not only ensures punishment for past crimes but also prevents such wrongdoing in the future.

“Every member of the army is a proud son of this country and its soil. That’s why most army members sincerely want that those who crossed the line are brought to justice, so that no government can ever again give the army unfair orders to commit crimes like enforced disappearances or killings. BNP fully agrees with this shared desire,” the statement reads.

The party also said that respect for the law and human rights must form the foundation of a peaceful and accountable state.

BNP also said that every country should function according to the “law of the land”. “Just as the responsibility for the actions of a few individuals should not be placed on an entire organisation, it is also wrong to question that institution because of the misdeeds of a few.”

It said a person alone is responsible for their own actions, and especially for serious crimes, responsibility lies entirely with the individual who commits them.

Describing itself as the party that suffered the most abductions, killings, and persecution during the entire period of fascism, the BNP said it firmly stands for justice for all human rights violations.

“What matters here is not the identity of the institution, but the individual’s crime and the rule of law. The isolated crimes of certain individuals have no connection — and should have no connection — with the people’s trust, respect, and affection for a patriotic force,” the party added. - UNB