TDS Desk:

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the nation had witnessed savagery of militancy in the guise of anti-quota movement, reiterating her vow that there would be no room for militancy and terrorism in Bangladesh.

“There would be no room for militancy and terrorism in Bangladesh. Their main strength Jamaat-e-Islam and Shibir will be banned under section 18 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009,” she said.

The prime minister once again sought cooperation from the United Nations (UN) and other countries through their expertise to probe into every incident during the countrywide mayhem to expose the perpetrators to justice.

She made the remarks as the chief guest at a voluntary blood donation programme and discussion and doa mahfil at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in the city’s Farmgate area.

Bangladesh Krishak League (BKL) organised the programme ahead of the National Mourning Day to be observed on 15 August.

Sheikh Hasina, also President of the ruling Awami League (AL), alerted the countrymen that Jamaat and Shibir will go underground and continue their destructive acts after being banned.

“Everyone will have to remain alert to this end and I seek cooperation from the countrymen,” she said.

The prime minister said she knew attempts on her life may come time and again like the previous occasions.

“But, I don’t care. Allah has given life and he will also take it away. I will do everything whatever is required for the welfare of the people,” she said.

Referring to the deaths of many people and destruction of public properties in the recent violence, she said, “The militants have shown their vicious teeth in the guise of quota movement.”

The prime minister said she knew the pain of losing near and dear ones as she lost everything on 15 August 1975.

“So, I want investigation into every single thing (of the mayhem) to find out who are behind those and how and what incidents have taken place,” she said.

She also said her government has formed a one-member judicial probe commission to investigate the deaths of six persons in the recent violence.

Later, the commission was extended to three members with expanding its periphery as a larger number of incidents took place after formation of it, she added.

Sheikh Hasina also called on the UN to send their experts to probe into every matter.

“If any country wants, they can also send experts. I want fair investigation into the matters. Punishment will have to be taken against those who are responsible for that,” she said.

The prime minister said they will not tolerate anymore the destruction of the properties they built and playing ducks and drakes with the fate of the countrymen.

The countrywide mayhem was carried out to tarnish the image of Bangladesh abroad, she also said.

AL’s Advisory Council Member Advocate Yusuf Hossain Humayun, and Agriculture and Cooperative Affairs Secretary Faridur Nahar Laily, among others, spoke on the occasion.

BKL President Samir Chanda presided over the event moderated by General Secretary Umme Kulsum Smriti.

At the outset of the programme, one-minute silence was observed as a mark of showing glowing tributes to the martyrs of 15 August 1975.

A milad and doa mahfil was held at the end of the programme to seek eternal peace of the departed souls of the 15 August 1975 martyrs and the deceased who lost lives in the recent violence.