Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday issued a strong call for justice over the alleged killings during the recent political unrest, describing the events as “inhumane” and “unforgivable”.
He made the remarks at the mausoleum of late President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, during a commemorative event titled “Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey – Memories Evergreen in Greenery.”
Organised by BNP’s affiliated Krishak Dal and the platform Amra BNP Poribar (We the BNP Family), the programme included a symbolic tree-planting initiative, where neem trees were planted in memory of those the party refers to as “martyrs” of the July Movement.
Referring to the testimony of a grieving mother from an earlier event, Fakhrul recounted the tragedy:
“The boy I dreamed of-the future of the family-was taken in the most brutal way. He was shot and his body loaded into a van without checking if he was alive. Later, we heard the bodies were burned.
We fought for independence in 1971, yet today, those meant to protect us-funded by our taxes-are allegedly killing and burning our children. It is a horrifying reality,” he said.
Strongly criticising Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he remarked:
“This level of cruelty cannot be forgotten.
Justice must be served. Our first duty will be to hold those responsible to account, and our second will be to rehabilitate the families of the victims and provide medical support to those injured.”
He further announced that the BNP would establish a fund to support victims and their families.
“I reiterate what I said yesterday-elections may happen, and who forms government may be secondary. But we must set up a fund, through our Acting Chairman, to support those affected by the July Movement.
Already, Amra BNP Poribar has extended assistance to the injured and the families of the deceased,” Fakhrul stated.
Among others present at the event were BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Krishak Dal President Hasan Jafir Tuhin, General Secretary Shahidul Islam Babul, and Amra BNP Poribar Convenor Atikur Rahman Rumon.
