BNP removes journo from stage mid-event after audience chants 'fascist' slogans

A BNP discussion marking the first anniversary of the July uprising erupted into chaos today (1 July) when a journalist was removed from the stage shortly after the event began, following loud chants of "fascist" and strong objections from attendees to his role as a presenter.

The incident, which took place at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka, prompted senior BNP leaders to intervene and remove the presenter, Ehsan Mahmud, executive editor of the Dainik Amader Shomoy.

The programme, titled "July 2024: National Unity and the Democratic Journey," began at 3pm and was attended by senior BNP leaders, party activists, and families of those who died during the July uprising.

BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman inaugurated the event virtually from London, while party chairperson Khaleda Zia also joined virtually as the chief guest.

According to event sources, Ehsan, one of three designated presenters, called for a minute of silence at the start of the programme. His appeal was met with immediate backlash from the audience.

Attendees began chanting slogans such as "fascist!" and "ally of autocracy!" expressing strong opposition to his presence on stage. Some BNP members also voiced objections to his role.

The disruption quickly reached the attention of Tarique Rahman. Following this, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders intervened and removed Ehsan from the stage.

The programme was chaired by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, who is the convener of the event's organising committee.

Ehsan had also been appointed as the member secretary of the 20-member communication sub-committee formed for the month-long programme commemorating the uprising.