Click to play videoNew Delhi: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has warned rebel paramilitary troopers that they would face strong action if they didn’t lay down arms by Thursday.
The mutiny by Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) that began in Dhaka on Wednesday spread around the country on Thursday, with shootings reported at several guard posts. The Bangladesh army has moved 11 tanks towards BDR headquarters. The army has asked people to move out of the areas around the sprawling BDR complex.
The government had asked BDR troopers to lay down arms by 1400 hrs IST but the rebels have asked for an extension and amnesty from Parliament.
Hasina, in a televised speech, said she would consider the demands of BDR troopers for better pay and amnesty but they first must surrender and “bring back discipline”.
“Don't kill your own brothers. This suicidal mission has to be stopped. We will find a solution to this problem with patience. Please help me,” Hasina urged the rebel troopers.
“Please to back to the barracks. If you don't, I will be forced to take tough action. Don't force me; it won’t be in the interest of you and the nation.”
Hasina announced that her government had formed a committee under Home Minister Sahara Khatun to study the demands made by BDR troopers.
“I did not want to bring any kind of force into the scene. I will take care of their demands in phases. I hope that no one will take drastic action which will result in more loss of lives. Don't do anything which will force me to take tough action”.
Hasina’s appeal came as officials confirmed that at least 77 people, including 67 Bangladesh army and BDR officials, had been killed in the mutiny since Wednesday.
Indian intelligence sources say that Jamaat-e-Islami, the hardline political party, is instigating and funding the rebels across country.
Indian intelligence sources say a shipping magnete who is also a former advisor to ex-PM Khaleda Zia is the main figure behind funding of rebels.
These sources also say that some Bangladesh army officers, sidelined by army chief Moeen Ahmed, have joined hands with some Jamaat-e-Islami leaders.
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