Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for a prompt investigation into the brutal murder of scrap trader Lal Chand Sohag near Mitford Hospital in Dhaka, urging authorities to identify and punish the real perpetrators without delay.
Speaking at a program organized by the BNP’s student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in Gulshan’s Hotel Lakeshore on Saturday afternoon, Fakhrul warned the government that the nation would not forgive or forget if justice is denied.
The event was held to mark the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising, mourning and victory, and to honor Chhatra Dal members who died in last year’s protests. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman also joined virtually from London.
“We urge the government: conduct a swift investigation, find the true criminals, and ensure they are punished. Otherwise, the nation will hold you accountable for creating these crises just as we try to restore democracy,” Fakhrul said.
“BNP has never supported wrongdoing,” said the BNP leader said adding that the party stands firmly against any form of injustice.
“Those of you who have made sacrifices, please wait patiently a little longer for democracy. Keep everyone restrained so no one engages in wrongdoing. BNP has never supported any injustice, and never will. We have upheld the rule of law before and will do so again,” he said.
Fakhrul highlighted that the lack of credible elections has led to lawlessness, rising violence, and criminal impunity. “There is no alternative to democracy, and the first step toward that is an election. Without elections, incidents like these continue, law and order deteriorates, and criminals seize opportunities because they lack the backing of the people. A truly elected government would undoubtedly be stronger.”
Expressing optimism, Fakhrul added, “I want to again say that together, united, we will surely establish a democratic state.”
He proposed that Chhatra Dal compile a book documenting the stories of their martyred activists and pledged that a future BNP government would duly honor them. He also renewed the party’s demand to the interim government for proper compensation and rehabilitation of those killed or injured during the July-August uprising.
The event was chaired by Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib and moderated by General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. It was also attended by family members of slain activists, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, and Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul.
