Awami League (AL) joint general secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif yesterday alleged that the recent militant attacks at a restaurant in the city’s Gulshan area and the Sholakia Eid grounds were a part of a “London conspiracy”.
“During the militant attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery at Gulshan, several phone calls came from London and Pakistan. It’s clear that the attack was a part of a ‘London conspiracy’,” he said, while addressing a discussion organised by Sector Commanders Forum, at the National Museum in the city.
He also lambasted the BNP secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, for making statements in favour of militants, saying that members of law enforcement agencies were not bothering innocent people, but arresting those involved in militant and terrorist activities and bringing them to justice.
About the government’s alleged move to cancel the Swadhinata Padak (Independence Award) for the BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, Hanif said the government should implement its decision immediately.
“Ziaur Rahman is no longer a freedom fighter. He (Zia) joined the country’s Liberation War in 1971 as an agent of Pakistan. He doesn’t deserve the prestigious award,” he said, adding that the departed souls of martyrs, who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War, would rest in peace if his (Zia) Swadhinata Padak is scrapped.
Swadhinata Padak is the country’s highest award in recognition of contribution to national independence.
He also reiterated that an investigation commission should be constituted to find out those conspirators who were directly involved in the killing of Bangabandhu.
The real mystery behind his killing would then come to light, he added.