Staff Reporter :
BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has strongly criticised the government for its failure to prevent a rise in violent mob attacks, calling for an immediate and comprehensive crackdown.
“Why is the government allowing these brutalities to continue?” he asked, referring to the recent public lynching of scrap trader Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, near Mitford Hospital in Dhaka.
Tarique made the remarks on Saturday while virtually addressing a views-exchange meeting at a hotel in Gulshan, organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal to mark the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising.
The event was attended by families of those killed or injured during the protests.
He cited the widely circulated CCTV footage of Sohag’s killing, stating: “It was shocking to see the attackers clearly visible on screen, yet no arrests have been made.
Are we to believe that those inciting mob violence enjoy the silent backing of the government or certain quarters within the administration?”
The BNP leader reiterated earlier warnings about “invisible enemies” allegedly working to destabilise the nation. “You can now see them revealing themselves.
The conspiracy is far from over,” he added. Tarique stressed that the BNP and its affiliated organisations have always supported justice, regardless of political affiliation. “A criminal is a criminal. Justice must be served in accordance with the law-not influenced by party loyalties.”
Highlighting what he described as a troubling pattern of violence across the country, he warned that those seeking to destabilise the political environment are being closely monitored.
On 9 July, Sohag was brutally killed in broad daylight outside Mitford Hospital. CCTV footage showed the assailants continuing their assault even after the victim had died-an incident that sparked national outrage and campus protests.
In response, BNP’s youth wing Jubo Dal expelled two members allegedly linked to the killing. However, Tarique questioned why the authorities had yet to act decisively despite the clear visual evidence. “Are certain quarters within the interim government enabling such acts through their silence?” he asked.
The Gulshan event also served as a memorial for the 142 student protesters killed during last year’s July-August movement. Family members of the victims shared emotional recollections and demanded justice for their loved ones.
Tarique urged the families to continue speaking out against the delays in prosecutions and warned of attempts to provoke mob unrest as a tactic to obstruct justice.
He concluded by pledging that justice for the victims of the mass uprising and pro-democracy movement would be a top priority if the BNP were returned to power.
“If the people bring BNP back into office, we will do everything in our power to ensure justice for those who gave their lives for democracy,” he affirmed.
