Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accused former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed of making extensive efforts to shield the Awami League (AL) and maintain its hold on power.
Addressing a discussion organized by Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 43rd death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Fakhrul alleged that Benazir Ahmed, while serving as the chief of Police and RAB, used his authority to suppress BNP leaders and workers.
He criticized the government for its handling of protests, alleging police and RAB brutality against BNP supporters.
“As newspapers began exposing the misdeeds, theft, and corruption involving Benazir, Awami League General Secretary Obaidur Quader denied his affiliation with the ruling party,” Fakhrul stated. “Whether or not he (Benazir) officially joined the Awami League, he has dedicated all his energy and strength to defending them and keeping them in power.”
Fakhrul recalled Benazir’s tenure as Director General of RAB during the 11th parliamentary election, where he openly campaigned for the Awami League, purportedly in the interest of the country’s development.
“During his time as the chief of RAB and Police, Benazir tried to suppress BNP leaders and workers through repression, killings, and enforced disappearances,” Fakhrul continued, accusing Benazir of initiating the practice of implicating BNP members in fabricated cases.
Turning to other matters, Fakhrul criticized the government’s appointment of Aziz Ahmed as army chief, despite allegations about his brothers’ links to terrorism. He claimed that Aziz was used by the ruling party to manipulate the 2018 elections.
Fakhrul also condemned what he described as the destruction of Bangladesh’s election system through what he termed three farcical elections under the Awami League’s rule. He emphasized the need to restore voting rights to ensure free and fair elections.
“Unlike in Bangladesh, where our elections are farcical, the people of India exercise their right to franchise, as seen in the recent election results where the ruling BJP did not secure an absolute majority,” Fakhrul concluded.