Fakhrul condemns attacks on media, calls for unity, justice

Mirza Fakhru Islam Alamgir

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday strongly condemned the attacks on The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir and other media professionals, saying those who carried out such violence are “enemies of Bangladesh”.

“While the grieving nation was praying for the soul of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, shameful attacks were carried out on media organisations, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, as well as on respected journalist Nurul Kabir and several others,” he said

In a Facebook post early Friday, Fakhrul said Bangladesh is a sovereign and independent country, and the government is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of every citizen.

He said those who wait for national crises to take advantage of them are enemies of the country. “They wait for moments of crisis. Today, they turned this tragic moment into an act of destruction. I strongly condemn this act of terror!”

The BNP leader also said Hadi was a candidate in the upcoming national election and had gone to people seeking votes. “The election will be held, and a democratic government elected by people will be formed in Bangladesh, InshaAllah.”

He said the assailants of Hadi must be brought to justice and every act of mob violence must also be punished.

Fakhrul said the country has witnessed various mob attacks for over a year, which have divided the nation.

After the fall of the autocratic Awami League regime, he said, the first and foremost responsibility of the interim government is to unite the nation and build a democratic, stable and inclusive society.

“We urge all parties to work together responsibly and in unity. The government must take action immediately,” he said. - UNB