Those who speak against Tarique Rahman are enemies of democracy: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that those who criticise Tarique Rahman are enemies of democracy and the country.

Speaking at a protest rally in front of the BNP central office in the city’s Naya Paltan on Monday afternoon, he condemned conspiratorial lies and propaganda against BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and the brutal murder in Mitford. 

The rally, organised by Dhaka Metropolitan North and South BNP, demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Fakhrul stressed that speaking against Tarique Rahman equates to opposing the country's people and democracy. 

He urged unity in rejecting such attacks, stating, "We have no compromise on democracy." 

While condemning obscene remarks against Tarique Rahman, he advised BNP activists to avoid retaliating with similar language, noting that such words diminish the speaker, not their leader.

Addressing the Mitford murder, Fakhrul called for a thorough investigation and severe punishment for the culprits, accusing them of aiming to destabilise Bangladesh. 

He urged supporters to remain peaceful and avoid provocations, saying BNP’s commitment to democracy and the upcoming February 26 election, a decision confirmed by Tarique Rahman with the chief adviser in London. 

Fakhrul claimed opponents have been unsettled since the election date was set. He reiterated BNP’s goal to restore voting rights, ensure basic needs, and build a new Bangladesh under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

He warned of sinister plans to create instability, division, and dismantle democracy, urging unity to prevent the return of fascist forces. 

The rally, attended by leaders and activists from various wards of Metropolitan BNP, started from Fakirerpool to the Nightingale Restaurant intersection in Kakrail, concluding at the Press Club via Bijoynagar.

The event was chaired by Metropolitan South President Rafiqul Alam Majnu, moderated by Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin.

The rally was attended by BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel, Abdus Salam Azad, Swechchasebak Dal Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Metropolitan North Member Secretary Mustafa Zaman, Jubo Dal President M Monayem Munna, and other leaders.