BNP stands against mob attack, vows action if partymen involved
Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders on Monday strongly condemned the mob attack and public humiliation of former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda, emphasizing that the party does not support mob justice or any form of lawlessness. They assured that if any BNP members or activists are found involved in the incident, strict disciplinary measures will be taken following a thorough investigation.
Salahuddin Ahmed, a BNP Standing Committee member, made the party’s stance clear in a statement, saying, “We do not believe in mob culture. BNP has been relentlessly struggling to establish the rule of law in the country, where court verdicts are enforced transparently and justice is served fairly.” He expressed hope that the allegations against Nurul Huda, as well as his arrest and trial, will proceed through legal channels. “However, we do not support his humiliating treatment, which was an isolated incident,” Salahuddin said.
He further stressed that every individual’s legal and constitutional rights must be respected regardless of the severity of the accusations. “No matter how serious the accusations against someone, their legal and constitutional rights should not be violated,” he added.
Salahuddin also criticized Nurul Huda for his tenure as CEC, accusing him of significantly undermining democracy in Bangladesh and damaging the electoral system. He said Nurul Huda, along with others including former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque, bears responsibility for weakening key constitutional institutions, which he claims has helped prolong the “fascist rule” of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Despite these criticisms, he reiterated BNP’s rejection of toxic culture and mob justice.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed echoed the party’s condemnation, demanding that those responsible for the mob attack be identified and brought to justice.
Speaking to reporters at BNP’s Nayapaltan office, Rizvi emphasized that the government has a responsibility to ensure adequate security for all citizens. He also warned against attempts by some parties to exploit the incident for political gain. Rizvi reaffirmed that the BNP leadership has repeatedly instructed that no individual involved in chaos or immoral activities within the party will be spared from disciplinary action.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening when a group of unidentified individuals forcibly entered Nurul Huda’s residence in Uttara, verbally abused him, and publicly humiliated him.
A video circulated widely on social media showed Nurul Huda wearing a white T-shirt and lungi with a garland of shoes around his neck, and at one point, a man struck him with a shoe. The attack was broadcast live on Facebook, drawing widespread criticism.
Despite the public outrage, police reportedly arrived late and later took Nurul Huda into custody. An officer at the Uttara West Police Station confirmed that the former CEC had been mistreated by the mob before law enforcement intervened.
Salahuddin reiterated that BNP stands firm against such mob culture and remains committed to upholding the rule of law and judicial transparency. He warned that if any BNP activists are found connected to the attack, the party will not hesitate to take disciplinary action.
The BNP leader concluded by emphasizing that justice must prevail without resorting to humiliation or extrajudicial actions.