Former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar on Thursday rejected allegations that the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) was never used for political purposes during the BNP-led government, saying such claims cannot be proven.
“RAB was not used politically even for a single day. No one can prove or justify such an allegation,” Babar told reporters after visiting the grave of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia at Zia Udyan in the capital.
He said Khaleda Zia was uncompromising when it came to ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order. “She gave full support to decisions she believed were necessary. Whatever was required to perform my duties, she stood behind it,” he said.
Babar added that no leniency was shown to BNP leaders or activists if they were involved in wrongdoing. Describing Khaleda Zia as a firm but just leader, he said he had worked closely with her for years and personally witnessed her patriotism. “She never compromised on the issues of independence and sovereignty,” he said.
Clarifying his visit, Babar said it was not a political programme but a gesture driven by personal emotion. He also said he had obtained permission from law enforcement agencies to pay his respects at the grave.
The former state minister also spoke about BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, saying he embodies many of the same qualities as his mother.
“Begum Zia instructed us to take the initiative to form RAB to curb terrorism. BNP never used this force to achieve political objectives,” he said, adding that Tarique Rahman would lead the party forward by upholding the same principles.
Khaleda Zia’s funeral prayers were held on Wednesday afternoon on the Manik Mia Avenue, led by Mufti Abdul Malek, khatib of the national mosque Baitul Mukarram.
She was buried later in the afternoon at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar beside the grave of her husband, martyred president Ziaur Rahman.
Khaleda Zia had been receiving treatment in the ICU of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka since 23 November. Her condition was reported to be critical. She passed away at around 6am on 30 December.
