BNP demands release of man arrested over 'derogatory' remarks on Tarique Rahman

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has demanded the unconditional release of A K M Shahidul Islam, who was arrested over alleged derogatory remarks about acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.

In a statement signed by senior joint secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday night (December 27), the party said Shahidul Islam was taken into custody under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure after police received complaints during Tarique Rahman’s visit to the graves of Inqilab Mancha Spokesperson Osman Hadi and national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. He was later remanded to jail by a court.

The BNP statement urged immediate release, stressing that freedom of expression is a fundamental human and civic right in a democratic country. “Arresting someone for expressing an opinion is unacceptable,” the statement added.

The party highlighted its long-standing struggle to uphold free speech and democratic rights, noting that every citizen has the right to express views without fear.

BNP sources said Shahidul Islam had allegedly shouted abusive words at Tarique Rahman from a distance during the grave visit. Although Tarique Rahman did not notice the remarks, the police acted. Following the arrest, Tarique Rahman reportedly instructed authorities to ensure Shahidul Islam’s release, prompting the party’s formal statement.