The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) held a protest late Sunday night (July 13) in front of its central office at Nayapaltan, condemning a crude bomb (cocktail) attack on the premises.

The demonstration, which began around 12:45 a.m., was led by BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Before the protest, Rizvi addressed a press conference where he strongly denounced the attack.

“The cocktail blast in front of the BNP office is the handiwork of Hasina. They repeatedly throw bombs like thieves, but their efforts will fail. Even after 16 years, Hasina has failed to suppress us,” he said.

While the perpetrators remain unidentified, Rizvi emphasised BNP’s political ideology, deeply rooted in the spirit of independence.

“This philosophy runs through the veins of all BNP leaders and activists. Our founder declared independence in 1971, and Begum Khaleda Zia has safeguarded democracy from dictators like Ershad. In 2024, Tarique Rahman has mobilised students and the public alike. Do they think they can intimidate this party?” he said.

Rizvi also said a deliberate effort is underway to destabilise the country.

“It is clear that destabilisation is being orchestrated from the depths of the state machinery. Trying to stir trouble will not succeed. The nationalist forces cannot be extinguished. A few cocktails will not scare the BNP,” he added.

The attack occurred earlier on Saturday night around 10 p.m., when unidentified miscreants hurled cocktails twice in quick succession near the BNP central office at Nayapaltan. Despite a heavy police presence, the blasts caused loud explosions that shook the surrounding area.

MN/