Dhaka: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today stated that individuals who criticize Tarique Rahman are adversaries of democracy. ‘We want to inform everyone that we have no compromise on the issue of democracy. I condemn all those so-called political leaders who have spoken obscene and inaudible words about Tarique Rahman,’ he asserted during a rally prior to a protest procession at the BNP central office in Nayapaltan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the protest, organized jointly by BNP North-South, was held to demand justice for the killing of Lalchand Sohag in the Mitford area and to counteract falsehoods and propaganda against the party’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman. Participants included leaders and activists from various wards of the metropolitan BNP, who marched from Nayapaltan to the Jatiya Press Club via Bijoy Nagar.
Mirza Fakhrul urged party members to refrain from responding with obscenities to those who criticize Tarique Rahman. He emphasized that such actions do not diminish their leader’s dignity but rather reflect poorly on the critics themselves. Fakhrul reaffirmed the party’s commitment to moving forward with unity despite facing humiliation, torture, and oppression over the past 15 years.
Fakhrul called for unity among patriotic political parties to safeguard democracy and demanded a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment for those involved in Lalchand Sohag’s killing. He warned against falling into traps set by those attempting to provoke BNP activists and highlighted the significance of the February 2026 elections, expressing concern over plans to destabilize Bangladesh and undermine democracy.
BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas echoed Fakhrul’s sentiments, asserting the party’s enduring popularity and resilience against conspiracies. He criticized Islami Andolon Amir and Charmonai Pir Syed Rezaul Karim for their past inaction and questioned the integrity of Jamaat-e-Islam leaders, accusing them of opportunism and accepting bribes.
Dhaka City South BNP President Rafiqul Alam Majnu chaired the rally, moderated by Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin. Speakers included Dhaka City North convener Aminul Haque and other party officials. The event featured a large gathering of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leaders and activists, who later marched through prominent city locations to protest the deteriorating law and order situation.