Targeted attacks on media part of broader plot exploiting Hadi's death: Ctg BNP

Chattogram city unit of the BNP has accused a "specific group" of deliberately trying to create unrest across the country following the death of Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The party claims the group is exploiting Hadi's death to attack newspaper offices, target journalists, and obstruct the democratic transition process.

The allegations were made at a meeting held this afternoon (20 December) at the BNP city office in Nasimn Bhaban, presided over by City BNP member secretary Nazimur Rahman. Speaking at the meeting, he said, "The arson and attacks on media offices, including Daily Prothom Alo and Daily Star, throughout the night following Hadi's untimely death are unprecedented. These acts have endangered the lives of working journalists. The attack on courageous anti-fascist journalist Nurul Kabir demonstrates that a particular quarter is deliberately seeking to destabilise the country."

City BNP leaders further claimed that the group seemed to have been anticipating Hadi's death and used the event to incite violence. They criticised the government for failing to take proper measures to control the situation, arguing that this inaction has tarnished the country's image internationally.

Speakers at the meeting described the attacks and arson as part of a broader conspiracy to disrupt the upcoming national election and undermine the democratic process. They called on all patriotic forces to unite and prevent this plot.

The session also discussed preparations for the historic reception of acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on 25 December in Dhaka. Chattogram city BNP leaders and members of its affiliated organisations are expected to attend the mass gathering.

Other senior leaders present at the meeting included city unit joint conveners Advocate Abdus Sattar, Syed Azam Uddin, SM Saiful Alam, Harun Jaman, Niyaz Mohammad Khan, Shah Alam, and Shawkat Azam Khaja.