'Govt trying to protect masterminds'

The masterminds behind the killing of former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria have direct link with the ruling BNP, they said, adding that so the government wants to divert the investigation away from them.

Wearing blue clothes, Kibria's family members, Awami League leaders, Mohila Awami League activists, BCL leaders and workers and civil society members formed a human chain as part of the programme in front of the Martyred Intellectuals' Mausoleum at Mirpur in the city demanding fair trial of Kibria murder case.

Asma Kibria, wife of Shah AMS Kibria, said the ruling party is now harbouring the masterminds and it is clearly evident that the government is delaying the investigation to protect them.

Asma, who initiated the 'Blue for Peace' programme, also said that her family will continue to observe this peaceful programme until all the killers are brought to justice.

AAMS Arefin Siddique, former president of Dhaka University Teachers' Association, said the government must take stern action to put an end to political killings.

Reza Kibria, son of SAMS Kibria, and AL leader Kamal Majumder were also present.