BNP alleges law and order deteriorating under government's inaction
The party has alleged that a deliberate attempt is underway to destabilise the country and sabotage the upcoming parliamentary election, promised to be held in February.
The BNP has accused the government of failing to control the worsening law and order situation in the country, claiming that murders, muggings, robberies, and extortion have surged due to the incompetence and inaction of the authorities concerned.
The party, in a statement issued today (17 July) after a standing committee meeting last night (16 July), alleged that a deliberate attempt is underway to destabilise the country and sabotage the upcoming parliamentary election, promised to be held in February.
In its statement, the BNP strongly condemned the killing of four people during yesterday's (16 July) rally organised by the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Gopalganj, allegedly attacked by supporters of the "fascist" Awami League.
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The party alleged that this assault was part of a calculated attempt by pro-government forces to sabotage the democratic process and suppress anti-fascist movements.
It also criticised the government's failure to maintain control, which ultimately led to the imposition of Section 144 and a curfew - a move BNP termed as part of a broader blueprint to disrupt democracy.
The party urged political groups to design their programmes with caution to prevent creating opportunities for anti-democratic forces.
Criminal activities such as mob violence, killings, muggings, robberies, and extortion are on the rise across the country. However, government agencies responsible for maintaining law and order have proven either incompetent or indifferent, which has worsened the situation, the statement said.
The party also criticised the government's advisers for merely making statements in the media without taking any effective action. It called upon the authorities to take immediate and comprehensive measures to restore law and order.
Additionally, the party condemned the recent brutal killing at Mitford Hospital and expressed outrage over indecent slogans and statements made by some political leaders targeting late President Ziaur Rahman, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, and acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. BNP warned that such behaviour would not only disrupt the political atmosphere but also derail the democratic transition process and upcoming national elections.
BNP also has expressed hopes that the National Citizen Party (NCP) will show a "behavioural shift" following the recent attack on its leaders in Gopalganj yesterday (16 July).
Speaking to The Business Standard, BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan said the meeting began at 8:40pm and concluded around 11:20pm, with the party's acting chairman Tarique Rahman presiding virtually from London.
Apart from the Gopalganj incident, the meeting also discussed the ongoing reform agenda and the proposal for a National Consensus Commission.
Sources said the BNP standing committee will sit again today (17 July) to further discuss the reform issue.
A source present at the meeting said the BNP has grown frustrated with some of NCP's recent activities, viewing them as more "subversive" than political.
"There's even a reflection of Jamaat's style of politics within the party," the source added.
Despite its reservations, the BNP hopes that NCP, born out of the mass uprising, will eventually pursue a healthy political path. The party also believes that the attack on NCP's top leaders in Gopalganj may prompt a positive shift in their political strategy.
The BNP warned that seeking political programmes or elections with the cooperation of the government and administration would be risky.
"Even the Awami League used the administration for everything, but could not hold on to power," said one BNP standing committee member, adding, "Anyone else who tries to follow that path will meet the same fate."
The BNP also hopes NCP will emerge from under the government's shadow and pursue an independent political course.
In a statement issued yesterday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir strongly condemned the attack, the reported use of crude bombs, and the torching of law enforcement vehicles during NCP's 'March to Gopalganj' programme.
"We express deep concern and strong condemnation over the attacks, cocktail explosions, and arson," Fakhrul said, demanding immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the violence.
