PM seeks UN, other international orgs’ help for mayhem probe

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday sought cooperation from the United Nations (UN) and other international organisations to conduct a proper investigation into the nationwide mayhem to punish the real culprits involved in the attacks taking advantage of the anti-quota movement.

"We're seeking UN and other international organisations' cooperation for fair and proper investigation into the matter. The people involved in the matter have to be exposed to justice," she said, adding, "Because, I know I have no negligence to this end".

The premier made the remarks as the chief guest while formally inaugurating a week-long 'National Fisheries Week-2024' at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Dhaka, reports BSS.

She came down heavily on those who were involved in destruction of the public establishments alongside killing many people and thus tarnishing the country's image.

"My question is that who has gained what (through the mayhem)? Why were the bloods shed?" she said.

The prime minister said they have already formed a one-member judicial probe commission with an apex court justice prior to raising any such demand to investigate into the matter.

"We have formed the commission with a judge (of the High Court). Today, I have given an order to include two more as manpower and enhance the periphery of the investigation," she said.

The prime minister once again leaving the charge of exposing the persons involved in the mayhem to justice on the countrymen.

"You (countrymen) have to find out the people involved in the conspiracy to push the country backward through fishing in troubled water by launching such an incident," she said.

The conspiracies being hatched by the collaborators of the Pakistani occupation forces pushed Bangladesh back time and again, she added.

"These are the most painful and regrettable things," she said with an emotional voice.

The prime minister also honoured 22 people and organisations with the National Fisheries Medal in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the country's fisheries sector.

At the function, she conferred them with the medals -six gold medals, eight silver medals and eight bronze medals- and certificates.

The 22 medal recipients include 15 farm owners, two fisheries officers, a project director, a university teacher, an association leader, a project and a committee.

She, as well, handed over smart ID cards among the two registered fishermen.

The prime minister is also awarded a gold medal for her significant contribution to the fisheries.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md Abdur Rahman, MP, Chairman of the ministry's Parliamentary Standing Committee SM Rezaul Karim and Secretary Sayeed Mahmood Belal Haider, spoke on the occasion.

Director General (DG) of Department of Fisheries Syed Md. Alamgir conducted the award distribution function.

An audio-visual documentary on the progress and success of the government in the fisheries sector was also screened.

This year, the theme of the fisheries week is "Nirapad Machee Varbo Desh, Garbo Smart Bangladesh".

The National Fisheries Week-2024 will continue till August 5.