'Punish cops responsible for atrocities'

Bangladesh Mohila Parishad President Hena Das speaks at a view exchange meeting at the National Press Club in the city yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

They also demanded that the members of the law enforcement agencies responsible for deaths at Kansat and Shahjalal University of Science & Technology be brought to book immediately.

Samajik Protirodh Committee of Bangladesh Mohila Parishad organised the meeting at the National Press Club to exchange views on state-sponsored terrorism, violence against women and violations of human rights.

The government should not use the law enforcement agencies in the interest of the ruling party, said Advocate Rawshan Jahan Parvin of Ain O Shalish Kendra.

She also demanded immediate trial of the policemen who attacked photojournalists at the Chittagong divisional stadium.

"Political violence has got a new dimension through repression of women activists of different political parties," said Rekha Chowdhury of Mohila Parishad.

The political parties may have different ideologies, but the government should act in a democratic way to stop political violence, she said.

Participants at the discussion also expressed concern over violence against minority communities and indigenous people by ruling party men and the law enforcers across the country.

They also criticised the new voter list, terming it fake. The list is creating an obstacle to holding a free and fair election, they added.

Presided over by Parishad President Hena Das, the meeting was also addressed by Mahmud Selim of Udichi, Wajedul Islam of Bangladesh Trade Union Kendra and representatives from Nari Pakkha, Nagorik Udyog, Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation Foundation and Muktijuddha Projanmo Command.