United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday accused certain political quarters of deeply plotting to destabilise the country and derail the upcoming election and democratic process by using the Mitford murder incident to divert politics in a different direction. Speaking at a demonstration rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he said, “This plan and conspiracy are extremely dangerous. The aim is to create fresh unrest and division in the country and to push Bangladesh back to a state where democracy is once again obliterated.” Fakhrul, however, said the BNP is moving forward towards democracy in a peaceful manner. “We want democracy through peaceful means. Our only goal is to ensure that the national election is held in February 2026.” He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, after discussions in London, decided that the next general election must be held in February 2026, and there will be no exception to this. Fakhrul said when BNP leaders and activists are working to implement their 31-point proposal to rebuild Bangladesh, some political cliques are indulging in plots. “They are trying to use the Mitford incident to divert the course of politics in a different direction.” The BNP leader said this kind of conspiracy is nothing new. “As the people of Bangladesh are trying to stand tall, these conspirators make fresh attempts to create instability, prevent the election from taking place, and deny voters their right to franchise.” BNP’s Dhaka South and North city units arranged the programme protesting the continuous conspiratorial lies and propaganda and demanding exemplary punishment for the barbaric murder of scrap trader Shohag near Mitford Hospital. Fakhrul said some so-called political leaders and workers have used indecent and offensive language against Tarique Rahman, thinking it will weaken BNP and frighten its leaders and supporters. “But BNP is a party that has faced many challenges and risen again and again like a phoenix. This is the party founded by Ziaur Rahman.” In light of the current situation in the country, Mirza Fakhrul urged BNP leaders and activists to act responsibly, emphasising the party's role as a major political force and a democratic entity in Bangladesh. “My request to the party leaders and activists is that you should not fall into anyone's trap. They are trying to provoke us to fall into their trap, but we should not get excited,” Fakhrul said. He also urged the BNP rank and file to face the situation with patience and refrain from doing anything that gives any opportunity to the enemies of democracy to malign the party. “Those who use vulgar language against Tarique Rahman and speak against BNP are, in fact, enemies of democracy,” the BNP leader said. He called upon the party leaders and followers to stage their demonstration in a peaceful manner, sending out a clear message to everyone that BNP will not compromise on the issue of democracy. BNP forms probe body over Mitford murder; suspects political motive “We want elections to be held within the timeframe that has already been decided. We want to restore people’s right to vote and rebuild a new Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said. He said some political party leaders have become crazy since it has been confirmed, following the Chief Adviser and Tarique Rahman’s meeting, the election will be held in February next. The BNP leader called upon all patriotic political parties to get united and move forward together in the interest of democracy. Condemning the brutal killing of Lal Chand Shohag, who was publicly beaten to death in the Mitford area on Wednesday, Fakhrul said, “We have clearly stated that this murder must be thoroughly investigated, those responsible must be identified, and exemplary punishment must be ensured. Those committing such brutal killings are doing so to destroy Bangladesh.” Later, thousands of leaders and workers of the party brought out a procession registering their protest against derogatory comments about Tarique Rahman. The procession passed through Bijoynagar and ended at the Jatiya Press Club. Earlier in the day, several thousand leaders and workers of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal also staged a demonstration at Nayapaltan on the same ground. They also brought out a procession from Nayapaltan towards Shahbagh, causing serious traffic congestion in the city. Leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal, from various educational institutions, gathered in front of the party's central office in Nayapaltan and started a protest march around 2pm. During the march, Chhatra Dal activists chanted slogans against those who make derogatory comments about Tarique Rahman and those who have long been involved in secret activities aimed at disrupting the academic environment. The JCD leaders and activists blocked Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection for a short time to protest against mob incitement and the ongoing disruption in educational institutions. They also expressed strong concern over the worsening law and order situation.

BNP on Monday formed an investigation team to probe the recent murder of a scrap trader in Old Dhaka, expressing concerns that the incident could be exploited for political motives and to destabilise the election environment. “There are reasons to suspect that this murder is being used for political gain and that such an incident is being used as an excuse at the instigation of certain quarters to disrupt the atmosphere of the upcoming national elections,” said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, he also said there are many reasons to believe that the Mitford murder is being deliberately used to create unrest in the country and to implement evil political motives. “To dig out the facts behind this brutal murder, we have decided to form an investigation and fact-finding committee comprising appropriate persons, who will reveal the actual facts and make them public,” Fakhrul said. He said they have arranged the press conference in response to a recent tragic and unexpected incident, particularly due to a deliberate attempt to distort the narrative and unjustly use it as part of a malicious campaign to tarnish the image of the country’s largest political party and its top leader, Tarique Rahman, and to register the party’s strong protest. As a responsible political party, Fakhrul said the BNP has already strongly condemned and protested the killing of Lal Chand Sohag, who was beaten to death in the Mitford area of Dhaka, and has demanded exemplary punishment for those involved. He said despite the absence of any evidence proving direct involvement or presence at the scene, the party has taken the highest organisational action—lifetime expulsion—against those named in the police complaint, in line with party discipline. The BNP leader said the victim’s family has already raised concerns about inconsistencies in the case statement. According to the family, he said, the names of three people were included in the report in place of the actual perpetrators, even though they have no complaints against those named. Regrettably, Fakhrul said, the real culprits directly involved in the brutal killing have not yet been identified, let alone arrested, and the law enforcement agencies have so far failed to reveal their names or identities. He said the BNP has earlier called on the current government to arrest those directly involved in the murder and to ensure swift justice.“Despite such a firm party position, a certain vested quarter is systematically showing the audacity to defame the party and malign its top leadership by attacking their character,” Fakhrul said. Lal Chand Sohag, a trader from Old Dhaka, was brutally killed in broad daylight near Mitford Hospital on Wednesday, reportedly over a dispute related to the scrap trade. He expressed their party’s firm resolve to identify and resist those who are trying to destabilise the political environment, obstruct the national election, and indirectly create a path for the rise of fascism. Fakhrul said that despite the presence of a large number of people and law enforcement agencies nearby, the lack of any resistance has raised questions in the public mind about the incident. He alleged that the events of 9 July were deliberately spread online on 11 July during ‘prime time’ after Juma prayers on Friday. After that, the BNP leader alleged that certain social media accounts and pages began sharing pre-prepared photo cards in a coordinated manner. “This suggests that propaganda materials had been prepared in advance, indicating a planned campaign to spread false information online.” Fakhrul also expressed frustration over the government’s indifference in preventing dirty politics. He said they hope all responsible political parties will be aware of the grave consequences of the current deteriorating political situation. The BNP leader warned that if undemocratic and unethical behaviour continues to hinder the path toward democracy, those responsible must be held accountable. Expressing BNP’s strong stance against offenders, Fakhrul stated that there can be no sympathy or bias when it comes to criminals. Fakhrul said a criminal should not be identified by any party affiliation and that an individual's crime has no connection with the party. The BNP leader said Sohag’s political identity is irrelevant—he was a citizen, tragically taken by terrorism. “We too demand exemplary punishment,” Fakhrul said. He said such a brutal killing of Sohag, carried out in broad daylight by only a few criminals, could be seen as a deliberate attempt to destroy the rule of law, standing in complete contrast to the spirit of the mass uprising of July, just a year ago. The BNP Secretary General affirmed that there was no question of stepping back from their commitment to stand by the victim’s family and to provide them with legal support. Fakhrul alleges conspiracy to eliminate Tarique from politics Instead of appreciating the bold step of removing individuals from party positions based solely on allegations, he said there has been a deliberate attempt to malign the image of BNP and its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Such activities, the BNP leader warned, cast doubt on the country’s democratic journey. Fakhrul also questioned whether the use of vulgar language and protest rallies against the BNP—despite the party not being in power—signals a return to an era of fascist politics, undermining the country's political culture. He strongly condemned and protested against the use of obscene and indecent remarks made publicly against Tarique Rahman. The BNP leader said instead of reflecting the people’s desire for a healthy political culture, such orchestrated smear campaigns and vulgar slogans only echo the voice of fascist Hasina and the Awami League. He also questioned whether there was an equally strong outcry over the recent killing of a Jubo Dal leader in Khulna and other cruel incidents. Fakhrul said the masks of those conspiring to divide a nation united with the promise of re-establishing democracy in the country have now been exposed. He said Bangladesh must not be allowed to fail because of the desperate efforts of a few political conspirators. “The youth, who once stood as the vanguard in the fight against fascism, must now once again join forces to defend the country’s freedom and sovereignty.” The BNP leader stressed that no conspiracy in a united Bangladesh would be able to obstruct their goals. He emphasised the need to avoid falling into any trap intended to provoke conflict and called for the rejection of all attempts to destroy national unity against fascism. Fakhrul demands quick probe into recent killings in Old Dhaka Reassuring their party’s unwavering commitment, Fakhrul said they remained determined, as always, to establish genuine democracy in the country through the united efforts of all democratic forces. He said the BNP’s only priority is to restore the ownership of Bangladesh to its people, overcoming every obstacle with the help of the masses. “There is no room for our hard-earned success in the past 17 years of long struggle to be thwarted.” BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Hafizuddin Ahmed, and Professor AZM Zahid Hossain were present.

Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Sunday arrested two siblings from Netrokona district early Sunday in connection with scrap trader Shohagh killing near Mitford Hospital. Joint Commissioner (DB-North) of the DMP Rabiul Islam Bhuiyan said tipped off, a special team of the DB conducted a raid in Netrokona  and arrested two brothers- Sajib and Rajib. With the latest arrest the number of arrestees in connection with the murder rose to seven. They were handed over to DC (Labagh division) after arrest. Police arrest 4 snatchers from in front of Mitford Hospital Mohammed Sohag, 39, a scrap trader, was hacked and beaten to death in broad daylight at the hospital gate on Wednesday (July 9). Following the incident, the victim’s elder sister filed a murder case with Kotwali Police Station. Among the arrestees, five were arrested by police and two by RAB members.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday demanded a prompt investigation into the recent killings, including that of a scrap trader in Old Dhaka, to identify the offenders and bring them to justice. “I would like to clearly urge the government to investigate these incidents very quickly and ensure the actual offenders are identified and brought to justice,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with the families of the 142 martyrs of the July mass uprising. Otherwise, the BNP leader warned, the nation will not forgive the government and hold it responsible for creating these problems at a time when the country is heading towards the restoration of democracy. Mirza Fakhrul also called upon BNP leaders and activists to remain calm and patient in their democratic struggle. “To those who have made sacrifices, I ask you to wait a little longer with patience. Ensure that no one among us commits any wrongdoing. BNP has never supported injustice and never will. BNP has always stood for the rule of law and will continue to do so,” he said. Trader’s killing at Mitford shows serious failure in public safety: Fakhrul The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organised the programme at a hotel in the capital to mark the first anniversary of the July–August mass uprising and to honour the family members of the brave martyrs of Chhatra Dal. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined the programme virtually from London. Fakhrul called for completing necessary reforms quickly to return to democracy through a fair election. “We sincerely want a change in the system and structure of the state and then to move forward with an election. There is no alternative to democracy, and the first step towards it is holding elections,” he said. The BNP leader blamed the absence of elections for the worsening law and order situation in the country and the rise in killings, saying criminals are taking advantage of the lack of an elected government. “A government elected by the people will certainly be stronger and more accountable. I hope that together we will be able to establish a democratic state through unity and collective efforts,” he added. Fakhrul suggested that Chhatra Dal prepare a book documenting the sacrifices of its martyred members. He also assured that if the BNP comes to power, the state will give due honour to the martyrs and stand by their families. The BNP leader once again called on the interim government to ensure proper compensation for those killed and proper rehabilitation for those injured in the July–August uprising.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday questioned whether the attacker, clearly seen on video fatally killing a scrap trader in front of Mitford Hospital, has not yet been arrested due to the silent support or the interim government’s indirect indulgence. “We were very surprised to see clearly on the screen who was killing (the trader), yet the government has still not arrested him. Should we assume that those trying to create mob violence and unrest are being secretly supported or pampered by the government or some officials in the administration?” he said. Tarique made the remarks while virtually exchanging views with the families of the 142 martyrs of the July mass uprising. Tarique said some parties are misrepresenting the killing incident in Old Dhaka. “The man who was killed may have had ties to the Jubo Dal, but the person who committed the murder, based on the information we have received, was brought in from elsewhere.” He lamented that the man seen killing the trader has neither been arrested nor named as a suspect yet. “Why has this happened? Why is he not being arrested? Why is the administration not arresting him? Why are the law enforcement agencies sitting idle? Who controls the law enforcement agencies? It is not BNP; it is the government. So, why is the government not taking action against the killers?” Tarique said. He said the BNP will ensure justice for every killing when given the chance to govern the country as it is a demand of all democracy-loving people in Bangladesh. The BNP leader alleged that some media outlets are currently trying to spread different messages and create stories around certain issues. He said both BNP and its affiliated organisations have always demanded justice, no matter who commits the crime. “A wrongdoer is a wrongdoer. Justice must be served according to the law. No wrongdoer should have the identity of any political party.” The BNP leader said people across the country are asking why the government authorities remain silent and why proper legal action is not being taken against those trying to create chaos. “Many incidents are happening in different places, and we are watching closely those who are trying to disrupt a peaceful environment,” he said. The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organised the event at a hotel in the capital to mark the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising and to honour the memory of the brave martyrs of Chhatra Dal. It was a deeply emotional occasion as the families of the fallen shared their sorrow and grief. They recalled their loved ones with heavy hearts. Many also called for justice and demanded that those responsible for the killings be held to account. Tarique urged the families of the martyrs to raise their voices loudly over the delays in the trials of those responsible for killing their loved ones. He also warned them to be vigilant against those trying to create mobs to delay justice. The BNP leader said a Jubo Dal leader was also killed by having his tendon cut in Khulna two days ago. “Why is there no voice against this killing? Why, when we demand justice for such killings, is it said that BNP is doing politics over dead bodies? These are the questions we must now find answers to. Because, he said, the answers to these questions are deeply connected to the existence of Bangladesh and its people.” Fakhrul demands quick probe into recent killings in Old Dhaka Tarique said the nation must know who truly stands for the people of Bangladesh. “We need to find out who has genuinely supported the country’s independence with full sincerity. We also must know who stood for the independence of Bangladesh--not just today or yesterday, or the day before--but even 50 years ago, and who did not. We have to consider all these things.” The BNP leader assured that if his party returns to power, it will prioritise ensuring the trials of those who killed innocent people during the mass uprising and democratic movement. “All I can say is that if BNP forms the government with the support of the people in the coming days, we will do our utmost to ensure justice for those who lost their lives defending the rights of the people,” he said. He said many sons of the soil, along with many leaders and activists of BNP, its associate bodies, other political parties, and even some apolitical individuals, have been killed over the last 15 years in Bangladesh while protecting the rights of the people. The BNP leader said although the autocratic regime was ousted, conspiracies against democracy in Bangladesh have not yet stopped. “People’s victory has been achieved (through the mass uprising), but the plots have not ended.” Stating that he had warned about the invisible enemy months ago, Tarique said invisible force is now slowly becoming visible. He said these invisible enemies have stood in the way of democracy, the country’s independence and sovereignty and people’s rights. They have taken opposing positions and acted against the public interest at different times. Tarique said their party has repeatedly urged the interim government not to support or protect any wrongdoer, regardless of who they are. “It is the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety and security of people’s lives and property. Why is it failing in this duty? A martyr’s father has raised this question, and we too want to ask the same of the interim government.” He urged people to stay alert and aware, just as they stood up for their rights during key moments in the country’s history. “Our struggle for democratic and people's rights is not over yet. We must keep our eyes and ears open,” the BNP leader said. He said BNP clearly explained its stance on the July Charter three months ago in writing to the interim government. Tarique stressed that it is now entirely the responsibility of the interim government to act on it. “We have nothing more to say. It’s up to them what they do or don’t do.” He warned that some non-issues are being used to create confusion and distract people from real matters. “We see that certain matters or ideas are being brought forward, or attempts are being made to hide something. We also notice that some non-issues are being turned into issues.” The BNP leader reminded the nation that the country belongs to all 20 crore people, not to any single party. “Everyone must think about the future of the country together.” He also urged people to stay alert and observe who is saying what, and how their positions are constantly changing. Tarique alleged that the ghost of the past autocratic regime still exists within parts of the administration. “So, everyone must be aware of the plots by those old ghosts and any new ones. If we are not alert, it will be hard to keep the country safe.”