‘Yesterday’s attack cost BNP 10 lakh votes,’ AB Party’s Fuaad says

Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuaad today criticised the administration over its inaction for the assault on him yesterday at a programme in Barishal.

"The administration seems to have a mindset: 'when Awami League is in power, we serve AL; and when BNP takes over, we serve BNP'. A state cannot function this way," he said at a press conference held at Barishal Reporters' Unity.

"Take action now. Otherwise, your negligence will turn this failure into an electoral failure, and you will have to bear the full responsibility," he added.

Yesterday, Fuaad's party activists were also reportedly attacked following the inauguration of the Mirganj Bridge in Barishal's Babuganj.

Fuaad demanded suspension of the Babuganj Police Station officer-in-charge and others present during the incident, accusing them of remaining silent and neglecting their duties.

He said that for the past two months, his campaign workers have repeatedly come under attack. "Even when we go to the police station, they refuse to file cases. The administration is not cooperating at all," he said.

Addressing BNP, he said, "Some of your activists' behaviour is costing you thousands of votes every day. Yesterday's incident in Babuganj alone cost you 10 lakh votes. If you cannot control these groups, BNP will face serious challenges in the next election."

Referring to Tarique Rahman's 31-point reform proposal, he said, "Before you rebuild Bangladesh, we want to see you rebuild your own party."

He criticised BNP for reinstating expelled members. "With criminals inside the party, you cannot build the Bangladesh envisioned by Shaheed Zia or Begum Khaleda Zia," he said, adding that as a major political force, BNP carries significant responsibility.

On election preparedness, he said, "Many young people have not been able to register, and voter transfers between areas have not happened as expected."