Critics of Tarique Rahman are enemies of democracy: Mirza Fakhrul

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), said that anyone who criticizes the party or its Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, is an enemy of both democracy and the nation.

He made the remark on Monday (July 14) during a protest rally held in front of the BNP central office in capital's Nayapaltan. The rally, jointly organized by the BNP’s Dhaka North and South city units, aimed to protest against the smear campaign targeting Tarique Rahman and to demand justice for the recent Mitford killing and other murders nationwide.

Mirza Fakhrul said, "I strongly condemn those so-called political leaders who use obscene and indecent language about Tarique Rahman. Such comments do not reduce the respect for our leader. Rather, it is those who make such remarks who demean themselves."

He also said, "We will not respond with vulgar words. BNP is a political party. Our struggle is to establish the rights of the people."

The BNP Secretary General claimed that after the incident in Mitford, some political groups are trying to divert politics in a different direction. He said, "This conspiracy is nothing new. Whenever the people of this country tried to rise, conspirators tried to create instability."

He also said that these groups are trying to prevent national elections and deny people their right to vote. "While Tarique Rahman is consulting experts at home and abroad to rebuild the country, the conspirators are busy spreading false propaganda," he added.

Mirza Fakhrul said, "Just as the people once drove out a brutal fascist regime, we will also work with the people to ensure that no such force returns to power through our democratic movement."

Calling on BNP leaders and activists to remain alert, he said, "We must not be provoked. We must continue the democratic movement peacefully. Tarique Rahman has confirmed after a meeting in London with his chief advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus that the election will be held on February 26. Hearing this, the conspirators have lost their minds. We must stay patient and keep moving forward."