Families seek Khaleda's punishment

Family members of seven persons who died or were grievously injured in attacks during the BNP-led 20-party's recent blockade and strikes yesterday demanded that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia be punished.

"Yesterday she sought justice from Allah for attacks on her. We too want justice from Allah for what she had done to us," said Nur Jahan Begum. She lost her only son in a crude bomb attack at Phulbari on January 14.

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The grievances and protest against Khaleda's claim of innocence came at a programme Brittanto'71 Foundation organised in the capital's Dhaka Reporters Unity.

Nur Jahan said, "Khaleda claims that she is not responsible for the attack. How can we believe her? Where was she when our sons, husbands and sisters had been suffering at the hospital?...But, she now comes out and seeks vote." 

Nur Jahan's son Ovi was studying arts and humanities in Kobi Nazrul Islam Government College. A pro-blockade picket at Phulbari had hurled the bomb while he was returning to his Laxmibazar home in Old Dhaka.

Alauddin, father of victim Shafiqul, said, "When he cries out in pain, it is unbearable for a father. What will be of his future?"

Shafiqul, a Narayanganj resident, suffered burns when the bus he was on was attacked in Comilla's Chouddogram on the night of February 3.

"Do not burn us. Do not separate a mother from her children," they requested.