State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan said stern action will be taken against those involved in Kalshi Bihari camp violence that left 10 people killed.
He was talking to reporters after a meeting with a delegation of Bihari leaders led by Sadaqat Khan Fakku, President of Urdu Speaking People’s Youth Rehabilitation Movement (USPURM) and relatives of the deceased at the Secretariat on Wednesday. “We are very shocked at the violence,” Asaduzzaman said. “We have assured them of meeting their demands”.
The Biharis demanded a fair probe, punishing the perpetrators, withdrawal of cases, tight security measures in Bihari camp areas and treatment of the injured.
They also named some suspects involved in the violence, he said. He did not disclose the names citing investigation. The Minister said the Biharis demanded Bangladesh passport for legally staying in the country.
The Biharis assured the minister that they will end their protest, Asaduzzman said. Sadaqat Khan Fakku said they deserve to get Bangladesh passports. “We are citizens of Bangladesh. Our name is on the voter list and a there is a court order declaring us Urdu speaking Bengalis,” he said.
He said his group will punish if anyone from the Bihari camp is found to have been involved in the rampage on last Saturday.
“Now we are in panic and we have demanded security from the government,” he said. .
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Benazir Ahmed was present during the meeting.
Four women and four children were burnt to death while another was shot dead during a series of clashes between rival groups at Kalshi early Saturday.
