Although 14 years have already been elapsed, investigation into the Baniarchar blast cases has not yet been completed.
The nation however on Wednesday observed the 14th anniversary of Baniarchar blast n a befitting manner with a renewed call for exemplary punishment to the culprits.
On that day in 2001, a total of 10 people were killed and many others injured in a bomb blast at the Catholic Church at Baniarchar under Muksudpur Police Station of Gopalganj district. Two cases-one for murder and another under the explosives act – were lodged to this end.
Marking the day, Bangladesh Christian Association organized a “memorial discussion and torch procession” at the Central Shaheed Minar on Wednesday evening.
Besides, various programmes, special prayers were offered at different churches across the country, including Baniarchar Catholic Church, in memory of the slain persons. People from different strata of life particularly the Christian community places wreaths at their graves.
Relatives of the killed and injured persons expressed resentment at the delay in initiating trial for the killing and demanded completion of the trial within a quickest possible time.
Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been entrusted with investigating the cases. Investigation officer (IO) has been changed 12 times in the last 14 years.
“No significant progress has been made in investigation into the matter,” CID Inspector and investigation officer of the cases, Sheikh Akhteruzzaman, told BSS .
“We need to interrogate Muttakin and his brother Morchhalin, who are now in an Indian jail, for completion of the investigation,” he said, adding that they need more time to place flawless charge sheets in the cases.
Police have so far arrested 18 accused in the murder case. They are banned Islamist outfit Harkatul Jihad leaders Mufti Abdul Hannan, Maulana Rafiqul Islam, Maulana Amirul Islam alias Zinnat Ali, Abul Hossain alias Khokon, Abdul Ahad Khan, Mofizur Rahman alias Mohibullah, Arif Hasan alias Sumon alias Abdur Razzak, Ali Ahmed, Abdur Rouf alias Mufti Abdur Rouf alias Abu Omar, Sheikh Farid, Shiplu, Amir Khan, Maulana Obaidur Rahman Ibne Abdullah, Abu Noman Md Amanullah, Kamruzzaman, Swapon, Billal Hossain alias Ramzan Ali, Raihan Shikder alias Kabir Hossain alias Abu Sayem Khan and Maulana Sabbir Hossain.
Of them, 13 are now in different jails while five others are on bail.
Under the explosives act, 11 have so far been arrested. They are: Basudeb Saha, Liakot Sheikh, Amirul Islam, Mufti Abdul Hannan, Khokon, Sumon, Shiplu, Amir Khan, Obaidur Rahman Ibne Abdullah, Abu Noman Amanullah and Kamruzzaman Swapon. Of them, five are in jails, four on bail and two are still at large.
