Rizvi slams political parties trying to hold BNP responsible for Mitford murder

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has slammed political parties that are attempting to hold the BNP responsible for the recent brutal murder of a trader in Old Dhaka and paint it in a misleading light.

"Where is the BNP's involvement in that incident?" asked the senior party leader, dismissing the accusations as politically motivated.

He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a 'Free Medical Camp' organised by BNP's Dhaka North City unit today (12 July).

Rizvi said that BNP or affiliate organisation leaders and activists linked to the murder of trader and Jubo Dal activist Lal Chand alias Sohag near Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital were expelled yesterday night (11 July) for life.

"BNP is a large political family. Occasionally, wrongdoers may sneak in, but once identified, the party never delays in taking disciplinary action," he said.

"I personally called the administration and said that no matter how powerful the perpetrator is, file a case and arrest them. BNP will not defend any criminal. But why aren't you taking action?

"What is the Dhaka [Metropolitan] Police commissioner doing? Or do you want such incidents to continue so you can blame BNP?" asked the senior BNP leader.

Focusing on the importance of justice, he said, "To establish good governance, action must be taken against wrongdoers, whether they are in society or within the party. Late president Ziaur Rahman built the BNP on these principles. He never spared criminals regardless of political affiliation. Justice was served."

"The party has made it clear -- those involved in criminal activity should face legal action. If the administration remains silent, more chaos, anarchy, and terrorism will spread in society.

"Criminals don't have a political identity. They commit crimes for personal gain -- grabbing houses, seizing land, stealing livestock and fish -- that's what criminals do," said Rizvi.

He added, "There is no place in BNP for anyone involved in violence, bloodshed, or killing. Wherever such incidents have occurred, action has been taken and is being taken daily. Some political parties are organising rallies to pin these events on the BNP for their own gain. But we have not forgotten their history. They won't benefit from this."

"BNP is not that kind of party. BNP is the party that wants to ensure peace for the people of the country. There is no place in Bangladesh where BNP's principles are not at work," Rizvi also said.