The rate of political killings is alarming: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has voiced dissatisfaction with the current law and order situation in Bangladesh, ahead of the national election.

Speaking to journalists at his Kalibari residence in Thakurgaon this morning, Fakhrul said, “People are eager for election. I can't say that I'm satisfied with the law and order situation right now. The rate at which political leaders and activists are being killed, including several of our party members, is alarming."

"We have strongly condemned these acts and expressed our outrage, yet the government has taken no effective measures to tackle the situation. We hope the government will assume a more responsible role and take proactive steps to prevent such incidents from recurring,” he added.

Fakhrul also described Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit as a personal goodwill tour, noting that the BNP acting chairman would pay tribute to Shaheed Abu Sayed and other martyrs of the July uprising.

He said the visit would inspire BNP leaders and activists at the grassroots level.

Addressing the recent defeats of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in several university student body elections, Fakhrul said further analysis was needed.

He claimed that during the tenure of the previous government, Chhatra Dal and other student organisations were barred from campuses and treated as persona non grata, preventing them from carrying out organisational activities.

Drawing a parallel with national polls, he added, “University elections have never influenced national elections. I firmly believe it will not have any impact this time either.”

Responding to a question about holding the national election and referendum on the same day, Fakhrul said BNP itself had proposed the arrangement, which was eventually accepted.

He added that the proposed reforms under the referendum had earlier been outlined by the BNP through its 31-point agenda.

“Reform is a continuous process. I see no reason to say no to it,” he said.