He made the remarks at a press conference held at the Barisal Reporters Unity on Monday (December 8) afternoon.
Fuad said the incident in Babuganj has exposed the aggressive elements within BNP, warning that the party will face significant challenges in the upcoming elections if it fails to “control the unruly segment” of its activists.
“When you seek votes with these criminals beside you, locals feel intimidated,” he said. “They think if this is how they behave before the election, what will happen if they are elected?”
Fuad stated that he had not requested any political party or individual to expedite development activities surrounding the inauguration of the Mirganj Bridge, but had merely sought cooperation from local residents.
“The harassment I faced yesterday is just the visible part,” he said. “For the past two months, I have regularly been subjected to similar incidents. My leaders and activists are being beaten and obstructed during campaigns. When they go to the police station, cases are not taken.”
He alleged that the current administration is operating with the same partisan behavior seen during the Awami League government.
“When the Awami League is in power, the administration becomes Awami League; when BNP is in power, it becomes BNP. No state can run like this,” he added.
Fuad accused a section of BNP of behaving in a way that resembles “neo-Awami fascism.”
“What happened in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s offices in Nazirpur and Muladi has been witnessed by all,” he said. “I want to tell BNP—just as we didn’t remain silent during Hasina’s fascism, don’t think we will stay silent now or run away to Dhaka.”
He claimed he is receiving continuous threats.
“Let us practice democratic politics for the sake of Allah,” Fuad urged. “BNP should follow the politics of Shaheed Zia and Begum Zia. You are a big party, you may come to power—so act responsibly and practice transparent politics. It is your duty to ensure the safety of smaller parties and candidates.”
He said he had to cancel several meetings due to severe threats, alleging that people are warning him that his “hands and feet will be cut off” if he visits certain areas. He added that he has been told “how many ramdas (cleavers) have been ordered and where.”
Fuad questioned how a fair election could be possible under such conditions, claiming the country currently lacks a level playing field.
“Good elections are not possible with this DC-SP administration,” he said. “The OC of Babuganj and senior officials were present during the entire incident yesterday but did nothing.”
He urged the government to suspend the Babuganj OC and take action against those in law enforcement who “remained silent.” He also demanded an investigation into the Muladi incident.
Fuad called on BNP’s central leadership to investigate the Babuganj incident and take disciplinary action against those responsible.
Leaders from various levels of the AB Party were present at the press conference.
