Well-orchestrated propaganda launched against BNP to prevent restoration of democratic politics: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that a deliberate and well-orchestrated propaganda campaign is being carried out against the party over the recent brutal killing of scrap trader Mohammad Chand Mia, also known as Sohag, in front of Mitford Hospital in Dhaka.

He claimed the campaign is not only intended to defame the party, but also part of a broader effort to destabilise the political environment and create uncertainty ahead of the next national election.

Speaking at a press conference held at the BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's political office in Gulshan today (14 July), Fakhrul said, "This incident is being used to spread a planned smear campaign against the BNP."

"As a conscientious political party, we have strongly condemned the killing of Sohag in Mitford, protested the incident, and demanded exemplary punishment of the perpetrators. Although there is no evidence of direct involvement or presence of those accused in the police complaint, we have taken the highest organisational action by expelling them for life in accordance with party discipline," he added. 

Referring to inconsistencies in the first information report (FIR), Fakhrul said, "According to the victim's family, three names mentioned in the case were not actually those of the attackers. The family said they had no allegations against the three individuals named in the FIR."

He continued, "Regrettably, even after such a gruesome killing, law enforcement has yet to arrest the direct perpetrators or even reveal their identities."

"We have demanded their immediate arrest and speedy trial. Despite our firm party stance, a specific group is deliberately attempting to defame our party and top leadership," he said. 

Fakhrul questioned whether the incident is being used for political gain. 

"There is ample reason to believe that this killing is being used under the instigation of certain vested interests to disrupt the atmosphere for the upcoming election."

He cited other recent violent incidents, such as the triple murders in Muradnagar, Cumilla, the killing of an imam in Cumilla, and the murder and mutilation of Jubo Dal leader Mahbub Molla in Khulna, questioning whether public outrage had been equally strong in those cases.

"This appears to be a calculated political ploy to destabilise the country. The fact that the killing took place in broad daylight, in front of many people and near law enforcement agencies, without any intervention, naturally raises questions. The fact that it was filmed without any effort to stop it only adds to public suspicion," he said.

Fakhrul also condemned the use of obscene language in protest marches, blaming a political party that is not in power. 

"Is this a return to the fascist era? One must ask when obscene slogans are hurled publicly against our party and its leadership," he questioned.

"There can be no leniency for criminals. There is no question of taking sides. The accused individuals were removed from party positions based solely on allegations. Instead of acknowledging this as an example of political integrity, a character assassination campaign is underway, undermining the country's democratic process," he added.

"Our position remains firm and unchanged; we demand swift justice and exemplary punishment for the killing," Fakhrul stated.

The BNP secretary general also announced the formation of a "fact-finding and investigation committee" to uncover the real reasons behind the Mitford killing and to publish their findings publicly.

Fakhrul warned of attempts to undermine democracy, stating, "Those who are trying to destroy the political environment, disrupt the upcoming national election, and pave the way for a resurgence of fascism must be identified and resisted."

He concluded by strongly condemning the "planned character assassination" of the BNP and its top leadership through obscene and vulgar public remarks. 

"We are deeply concerned to see how such vile attacks are being systematically targeted at a political party that symbolises the country's independence, liberation war, sovereignty, and democracy," Fakhrul said.

Senior BNP leaders, including Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, were also present at the press briefing.