NCP Leader Questions Murder Suspects’ Escape, Calls for Transparent Investigation

Nasiruddin Patwari, Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has questioned how alleged murder suspects were able to flee Bangladesh by crossing the border. He raised the issue on Wednesday while visiting the Sadipur border area in Benapole, Jashore, in connection with the recent killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha.

Patwari called for the identification and prosecution of the actual perpetrators, rejecting what he described as political theatrics or a “Joj Mia-style” investigation. He warned that the case must not suffer the same fate as the long-delayed investigation into the murder of journalist couple Sagar and Runi.

Addressing hundreds of local residents who participated in the border visit, Patwari strongly criticized India and the Border Security Force (BSF). He accused India of being a “killer state” and described the BSF as a “killer force,” demanding accountability for border killings.

He also condemned alleged attempts by the BSF to forcibly push people into Bangladesh through the Haridaspur border opposite Benapole between May 31 and June 2.

Highlighting the hardships faced by border communities, Patwari said residents often become victims of circumstances rather than engaging in unlawful activities by choice. He called for a comprehensive modernization of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), arguing that the force should be equipped with modern heavy weapons, patrol vehicles, improved facilities, and better salaries instead of relying on limited resources.

Criticizing remarks made by a former home minister, Patwari stated that even if a person is accused of a crime, shooting them dead at the border without due process constitutes a serious violation of international law.

He urged the current government to take every incident of border killing to international legal forums and seek accountability from India.

Concluding his remarks, Patwari called on people of all political affiliations to remain united in defending Bangladesh’s sovereignty, drawing inspiration from the mass movements of 1971, 1990, and 2024. He emphasized that any threat to the country’s territorial integrity or sovereignty would not be accepted under any circumstances.

“We will not tolerate any attack on even a single inch of our territory or our sovereignty, even if it requires the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.