NCP leaders for neutral probe, justice for Shapla Square crackdown in 2013
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More than a decade after the deadly Shapla Square crackdown on mass gathering of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) have called for demanded an independent investigation for ensuring justice and state recognition of ‘Martyrs’.
At a discussion titled “A Decade since the Shapla Square Massacre: Justice, Fair Investigation, Recognition of the Martyrs, and State Accountability,” held at the party’s central office in the capital, they accused the ruling Awami League and its allies of orchestrating the 2013 operation and continuing to evade accountability.
The NCP leaders also condemned the lack of judicial action and demanded trials of those who were allegedly involved, proper compensation for victims' families, and a clear political stance from other parties to prevent the Awami League from participating in future elections.
Speaking at the function, Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the NCP, said: “When we talk about the Shapla Square massacre after more than a decade, it becomes clear that not only the Awami League, but also their cultural and intellectual allies share equal responsibility for the incident”.
He further stated that even after eight months, no judicial process had been initiated and no independent investigation body formed regarding the Shapla killings.
They said those who were directly involved—along with their collaborators and members of the law enforcement agencies—must be brought to justice through an independent inquiry.
Sarwar Tushar, a NCP leader, alleged that the ruling Awami League has turned into a ‘purely terrorist organisation’ and no longer it deserves the right to participate in politics in Bangladesh.
“AL must not be allowed to take part in the upcoming elections. Any attempt to rehabilitate them will be resisted,” he warned.
Mushfiq Salehin, another NCP leader, demanded a fair investigation and called for justice for the victims in the Shapla Square Massacre.
The party leaders emphasised that although filing of cases was not possible immediately after the incident due to the political reason, the time has now come to take legal actions.
They reiterated their demand for an impartial investigation and proper justice for the victims.