The Interior Minister of Bangladesh’s interim government said they would conduct an investigation to identify the youths in civilian clothes who opened fire on Ansar members. | Photo credit: Reuters
“The Interim Government of Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Brigadier General (Retd) M. Sakhawat Hussain, on Monday (August 12, 2024) asked the protesters to surrender all illegal and unauthorized firearms, including the rifles, by August 19 stolen from law enforcement officers during the recent violence,” a media report said.
“Sir. Hussain said if those weapons were not returned to nearby police stations, authorities would conduct a search and if anyone is found in possession of unauthorized weapons, charges would be filed against them. The Daily Star newspaper reported.
Mr Hussain was speaking to reporters at the Combined Military Hospital here after visiting Bangladeshi paramilitary Ansar members who suffered injuries during the mass protest that led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Ms Hasina resigned and fled to India last week, leaving the country in turmoil after deadly protests against her government over a controversial job quota system.
Mr Hussain said around 500 people, including students, were killed and several thousand others injured during the protest.
“The video showed a youth taking a 7.62mm rifle. That means the gun was not returned. If you have not handed it over (out of fear), hand over the firearms through someone else,” he said.
Mr Hussain said they would investigate to identify the youth in civilian clothes who opened fire on Ansar members. However, he softened yesterday’s comments about shutting down media outlets if they publish or broadcast false or misleading news.
“I said it out of anger. It’s not my job,” he said. “I am never in favor of closing down any media.” Last Thursday (August 8, 2024), Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as head of an interim government to replace Ms. Hasina. A 16-member council of advisors was announced to assist Mr. Yunus in managing the affairs of the state.
