Dhaka: Demanding trial of the masterminds of the 1/11 political changeover, BNP senior leader ASM Hannan Shah on Monday bemoaned that the ruling Awami League has ‘rewarded’ them instead of taking action.

‘Those who had made the 1/11 take place, violated human rights and oppressed and harassed people, they must be tried. But, the Awami League government has rewarded many of them, let alone holding their trial,’ he told a discussion.

Swadhinata Forum, a pro-BNP platform, arranged the discussion titled ‘The Conspiracy of the 1/11 and Today’s Bangladesh’ at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU).

Hannan Shah said there had been a conspiracy behind the 1/11 changeover to destroy Bangladesh’s election system and tarnish politicians’ image by bringing ‘false’ allegations against them.

Hannan Shah, a BNP standing committee member, claimed that Jatiya Party chairman HM Ershad had an active role in creating the ground for the 1/11 changeover. ‘Several meetings were held at Ershad’s residence before the 1/11 episode.’

Without mentioning its name, Hanna Shah also alleged that a major political party which claimed Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin’s government was a result of its movement had supported the army-backed administration.

He also claimed that he had gone to the leaders of BNP, Awami League and Jamaat to raise their voice against the Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin’s activities, but no one dared do that.

He deplored that no major political parties, including BNP, have taken any programme to register their protest against 1/11 on this day. ‘I would like to equivocally say those who had involvement in the 1/11 episode must be tried today or tomorrow. I urge the new BNP leaders you please one day bring them to justice.’

About his meeting with BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia at her then cantonment residence after the 1/11 changeover, the army-officer-turned politician said Khaleda told him that she had been informed by DGFI officials that people and party did not want to see her in leadership and advised to go abroad. ‘I told her it was a hundred percent lie.’

Hanan Shah also claimed that Khaleda had taken preparation to go abroad. ‘I got hurt seeing the packed suitcases on one side. Lastly, I asked her what her decision was. She replied who want to abandon a family of 45 years. Then I told her I had got your message and I would convey this to party men and people.’