Fakhrul expresses concern over law and order ahead of polls

Bangla Press Desk:   BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday expressed concerns over the law and order situation in the country ahead of national elections, saying he is not satisfied with the performance of law enforcement agencies.

“The rate at which political leaders are being killed, particularly some leaders of our party, is truly worrying,” Fakhrul told reporters at his residence in Thakurgaon in the morning.

“We have strongly condemned these murders, but no action has been taken by the government. We hope the authorities will act responsibly and prevent such incidents during the elections,” Fakhrul said.

Regarding Tarique Rahman’s visit to the northern districts, Fakhrul described it as a personal goodwill tour.

Tarique Rahman plans to visit Bogura, his home district, then pay respects at the grave of July martyr Abu Sayeed in Rangpur, followed by visits to Dinajpur and Thakurgaon, where he will participate in mass prayers for Begum Khaleda Zia and honour other martyrs.

Mirza Fakhrul said that when Tarique Rahman returned to the country, millions of people welcomed him in Dhaka.

He expects similar enthusiasm from local leaders and activists in the districts.

On student union elections, Fakhrul said during the previous government, student organisations, especially Chhatra Dal, were prevented from operating in universities, limiting their organisational activities.

He emphasised that university elections have never influenced national elections and hoped they would not have an impact this time either.

Regarding the referendum, Fakhrul mentioned that the BNP had advocated holding it alongside the national parliamentary election, and it is happening accordingly.

The BNP leader said the reforms being put to a referendum were initiated long before his and others’ involvement.

“In 2016 and 2023, we presented our proposals to the nation through 31 points. The reform process is ongoing, and I see no reason not to acknowledge that,” he added.

BP/SP