Government is trying to suppress BNP: Fakhrul

In a statement released on Monday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has criticized the government for allegedly targeting opposition leaders and activists while failing to address the real perpetrators of violence. His remarks come amid growing concerns over the treatment of detainees and suppression of political dissent.

Mirza Fakhrul asserted that despite promises from the Prime Minister and government officials to identify and punish the "real terrorists," the current reality reflects a systematic crackdown on opposition members, including BNP supporters. He condemned the government’s actions, accusing law enforcement and pro-government groups of looting and violence against activists.

The BNP leader expressed deep concern over recent developments, including reports of the torture of opposition figures such as Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Nurul Haque Noor. He highlighted the troubling cases of Chhatra Dal leader Riyad Iqbal and BRAC University teacher Asif Mahtab, who were reportedly picked up by detective police and remain missing.

Mirza Fakhrul criticized the government's control over media and internet access, which he claims is being used to obscure the extent of human rights abuses. He cited ongoing arrests and the inhumane treatment of detainees, including extended periods of detention without being presented in court and brutal conditions during remand.

The BNP Secretary General also addressed allegations of misconduct during house raids, including inappropriate behavior towards family members and destruction of property. He accused the government of using coercion to force program withdrawals and suppress dissenting voices within the quota reform movement.

Mirza Fakhrul condemned what he described as the authoritarian nature of the current government and its failure to heed protests against its actions. He noted international criticism of the government's human rights record and alleged that the regime has intensified its repression in response to student and opposition movements.

According to Fakhrul, over 6,000 individuals are currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the unrest, with claims that the government has tampered with post-mortem reports and coerced families of deceased students.

He demanded the immediate release of accurate casualty figures and called for the unconditional release of all detained BNP and opposition party members. Mirza Fakhrul concluded by urging the government to take responsibility for its actions and resign in response to the people's demands.