Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has strongly condemned the attack on a National Citizens’ Party (NCP) rally in Gopalganj.

BNP also alleged it was carried out by supporters of the ruling Awami League to undermine the democratic process.

A statement issued by BNP on Thursday (July 17) said, the attack was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the anti-fascist movement in which the NCP has played a significant role. The incident led the government to impose Section 144 and curfew in the area, which the BNP described as part of a wider strategy to obstruct democratic activities.

The statement followed a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee held on Wednesday night at the party chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. 

The committee expressed deep concern and condemnation over the killing of four people during the violence at the NCP rally on July 16.

Criticising the government’s failure to maintain order in Gopalganj, the BNP called on all political parties to remain cautious while announcing programmes to avoid providing any advantage to anti-democratic forces.

BNP leaders said a vested quarter is deliberately trying to destabilise the law and order situation in the country to hinder the promised general election set for February. They pointed to a rise in incidents of mob attacks, killings, extortion, and robberies, which they claim highlight the failure and inaction of the relevant state agencies.

The BNP urged the government to immediately take effective measures to improve law and order across the country. The party also criticised the way it was linked by some political quarters to the recent brutal killing near Mitford Hospital, saying such remarks and slogans violated political norms and shocked the nation.

Party leaders at the meeting warned that such actions not only damage political culture but also disrupt the path to democratic transition and the upcoming parliamentary election process. They expressed hope that all political parties would prioritise mutual respect and avoid irresponsible behaviour.

The BNP also condemned the killings at Mitford and other parts of the country and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

MSK/