BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday described the recent mob attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo offices as a direct assault on democracy, urging all to unite to resist the evil forces.

“The time has now come to stand up and resist… all of you who love Bangladesh must come together. We have to resist this evil force,” he said.

Fakhrul made the remarks while speaking at a joint protest meeting organised by the Editors’ Council and Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) at a city hotel.

Fakhrul bemoaned that the country is now facing a defining moment for democracy and freedom of expression, and said symbolic protest programmes are no longer enough as democracy and freedom of speech are under threat.

“Those who want to see Bangladesh as a truly independent and sovereign democratic country must do more than be aware. We must stand and resist now. Only forming human chains or expressing solidarity will not be enough. Everyone who loves Bangladesh must unite with full strength to stop this evil force,” he said.

The BNP leader said he has spent his whole life struggling for an independent and democratic Bangladesh, but the present situation does not match the dream he and the freedom fighters fought for.

Editors’ Council, NOAB condemn arson attacks on Prothom Alo, Daily Star.

“It is very clear and there is not much left to explain. It is not just The Daily Star or Prothom Alo that has come under attack – it is democracy itself. My right to think freely and my right to speak have come under attack,” he said.

The BNP leader also alleged that the spirit of the July movement, which aimed at establishing people’s rights, has also come under attack.

Calling for unity beyond political boundaries, Fakhrul said it is time for every democracy-loving person to come together, and those who want to move from darkness to light must unite to make Bangladesh a truly independent, sovereign and democratic nation.

Leaders from different political parties, editors, newspaper owners, journalists and civil society members attended the meeting, demanding justice and a proper investigation into the recent mob violence targeting the two media houses.