Surrender or I'll be forced to take any step: Hasina tells BDR

Dhaka, Feb 26 (PTI) As the mutiny in Bangladesh by
border guards spread to other parts of the country, the
nation's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Thursday asked the
renegades to lay down arms, warning that their failure to
return to the barracks will force her take "any step" in the
interest of the nation.

"I have decided to pardon all mutineers... I have
asked BDR soldiers not to take the law for granted. I appeal
to them to withdraw their agitation, surrender and return to
the barracks," Hasina said in a brief televised broadcast to
the nation.

The Bangladesh Prime Minister said: "Don't force me. I
can take any step in the interest of the nation, if the
soldiers do not return to the barracks after laying down their
arms."

Hasina, however, did not specify what steps she would
take in case of mutineers did not surrender.

Voicing shocks over the developments, she said that
"no harm" will be done to the mutineers in case they
surrender.

She also announced a ministerial committee to go into
their grievances including pay disputes. PTI SC
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