By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh government has for the first time accused a former lawmaker of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of instigating the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) troopers’ mutiny in which over 80 people were killed.
Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu instigated the border guards who were involved in the carnage at their headquarters at Pilkhana in the national capital, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) told a Dhaka court Wednesday.
Pintu, having a criminal record as per media reports, was on the run. But he was caught last Monday outside a court premises. He had donned a lawyer’s gown and helmet and tried
to flee on a motorcycle.
The CID submitted a detailed report on Pintu’s role while seeking his remand for interrogation, The Daily Star said.
Fifty-six Bangladesh Army officers on deputation to BDR, including border guards chief Major General Shakil Ahmed, were killed during the mutiny. The rebellion took place over low wages and poor working conditions.
The government has since decided to disband the 67,000 strong force, and again raise it under a new name, logo, uniform and mandate.
Since the failed Feb 25-26 mutiny, accusations had been made about the involvement of politicians.
Pintu is alleged to have helped some mutineers by providing motor boats to cross the Buriganga river at Keraniganj ferry.
He and his supporters are also accused of instigating the mutineers to bring out processions Feb 25.