Sinha Murder: Zafrullah demands impartial commission

Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury on Sunday demanded the formation of an impartial commission to look into the murder incident of retired army major Sinha Md Rashed on Marine Drive Road in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf.

"A fair and impartial investigation is needed to dig out whether only OC Pradeep or Indian RAW and the Israeli Mossad were involved in Major (retired) Sinha killing," he said.

Speaking at a protest rally in front of the Jatiya Press Chub, Zafrullah said, "I don't think a police inquiry to investigate the incident is appropriate in this case. We've to do that with a neutral commission."

He also said it will be unfortunate for the country if the government does not form any inquiry commission to unearth the real reasons behind the killing of the ex-army official.

Bhasani Anusari Parishad arranged the programme protesting India's water policy which is affecting the people of Bangladesh both in rainy and dry seasons.

Sinha was killed in police firing at Baharchhara police check-post in Teknaf on July 31.

On August 2, the Home Ministry formed a four-member committee, headed by Mizanur Rahman, additional divisional commissioner (development), to investigate the incident.

Dr Zafrullah, also a freedom fighter, alleged that there are only 10 percent officers in the Bangladesh Police Force who are like Pradeep Kumar Das, recently suspended officer-in-charge (OC) of Teknaf Model Police while the rest are good ones.

He crticised India for what he said not stopping the killing of Bangladeshis along the border.

"Though people are getting killed along the Indian border every day, we've no voice against it. But Nepal has taken action against India by passing a law in its parliament. One of our ministers has said India has blood relations with us. This blood is contaminated. What will happen with filthy blood? We need clean blood," the freedom fighter said.

He also said Bangladesh will not be freed from "Indian aggression" if people do not raise their voice against the neighbouring country. "We need to get rid of this contaminated blood."

Bangladesher Biplobi Workers Party leader Saiful Haque, Gana Sanghati Andolan's chief coordinator Junaid Saki, BSD leader Bazlur Rashid Firoz and Ducsu Vice President Nurul Haque Nur, among others, spoke at the programme presided over by Bhasani Anusari Parishad's secretary general Sheikh Rafiqul Islam.