'Govt should make public apology’

The prime minister should also offer apology as she earlier lied about the existence of militant forces in the country and blamed the opposition for the destructive activities, said Prof AK Azad Chowdhury, former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University.

Accusing the prime minister and several other ministers and lawmakers of harbouring the militants, he called for an international investigation into extremist acts.

Sammilita Nagarik Samaj (united civil society) organised the press conference at the office of the Dhaka Reporters' Unity, with Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) AK Khandaker in the chair.

The speakers demanded immediate arrest and trial of the patrons of the militants and implementation of electoral reforms.

They also announced that they will stage a demonstration at the Central Shaheed Minar on March 20 to press home their demands.

Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) AK Khandaker demanded restoration of the original constitution of 1972 in order to root out militancy.

He also called for finding out the patrons of militants and bringing them to book.

The speakers also strongly criticised the government for skyrocketing price hike of essentials, widespread corruption and politicisation of every sector.

All these have led to immense suffering of the common people, they said, adding that the four-party alliance government has no right to cling to power any longer.

Member Secretary of Sammilita Nagarik Samaj Golam Kuddus read out a written statement while Joint Convenor Nasiruddin Yusuf, former chairman of Public Service Commission Dr Mostofa Chowdhury, Prof AAMS Arefin Siddiqui, Kazi Farooque, Secretary General of Muktijoddha Shanghati Parishad Abdus Samad Pintu and Secretary General of Group Theatre Federation Jhuna Chowdhury were also present.