Govt using Speedy Trial Tribunals to repress political rivals: AL

Addressing a press conference at the party central office at Bangabandhu Avenue, AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil MP condemned the filing of "false cases" against leaders and workers of the AL and its front organisations including Jubo League General Secretary Mirza Azam MP.

"Government's policy to repress the opposition in the name of curbing violence and improving law and order would not bring any good for the country," he said, and demanded immediate withdrawal of all "false cases".

The Awami League organised the press conference to protest "misuse of Speedy Trial Tribunal" against its leaders and workers.

Jalil said they apprehended from the beginning that the government would use the law to repress the opposition. "Our apprehension has come true with the filing of a number of false cases across the country."

"A fresh political repression has been started under the direct patronage of 'godfathers' of the ruling coalition," he added.

The AL leader also protested the custodial deaths and demanded immediate exemplary punishment of those responsible.

"Since October 10, 2001 till October 29 this year, 206 people were killed and 2,348 injured in the custody of police, army, BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) and other law enforcing agencies," he said.

Jalil urged the people to resist "killing, violence, repression and misrule" by the alliance government.

He alleged that trials of many cases under Speedy Trial Tribunal were not held impartially.

"Thousands of cases filed against criminals patronised by BNP and Jamaat have been withdrawn while many false cases against Awami League leaders and workers were brought under Speedy Trial for political reasons," he said.

AL Presidium members Abdus Samad Azad MP, Tofail Ahmed, Motia Chowdhury and other party leaders including Obaidul Kader, Abdul Mannan, Asaduzzaman Noor MP, Ashim Kumar Ukil, Jubo League General Secretary Mirza Azam MP, AFM Bahauddin Nasim and SM Kamal were present.