BNP on Saturday called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to take immediate and effective steps to prevent a recurrence of violence and ensure quick justice following the gun attack on Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi.
“We have urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to be more active and called upon the Chief Adviser to take the necessary measures. As a political party, we have made our highest commitment and assured that we will give our fullest cooperation in this matter and continue to do so,” said BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed.
Talking to reporters after meeting the Chief Adviser with his colleague Hafizuddin Ahmed, the BNP leader reminded them that their party-nominated candidate for Chattogram-8 constituency, Ershadullah, was subjected to a deadly attack on his life on November 5.
“However, the law enforcement agencies did not take any strong action after the incident. If a proper investigation had been carried out and those responsible had been arrested and brought under the law, such incidents might not have been encouraged or repeated. When those behind these acts believe they can remain safe and unpunished, such incidents continue to happen,” he said.
Replying to questions, Salahuddin said their party is not ruling out the possibility of bigger attacks on election candidates or other untoward incidents ahead of the polls.
He, however, emphasised that it is the government’s responsibility, as well as that of political parties, to resist such attacks.
“Public awareness is also very important. That is why we have said that if the Home Ministry, the law enforcement agencies, the joint forces, the government, the people, and political parties work together in unity, then InshAllah we will be able to stop such incidents. At the very least, we can be more alert in advance and take precautionary measures,” the BNP leader said.
He also warned that if the fallen fascists think they can foil Bangladesh’s election through one or two isolated incidents that is a mistaken belief.
Sharif Osman Bin Hadi was shot on Friday after Juma prayers on Box Culvert Road in the capital’s Bijoynagar area, leaving him critically injured.
He is now undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital.
Salahuddin said the Chief Adviser called upon all democratic political forces to work together in unity in the wake of the attack on Hadi.
He said the head of the interim government also urged all political parties to join the resistance rally organised by Inqilab Mancha.
Salahuddin said the Chief Adviser called for the participation of all political parties in the protest programmes scheduled for Sunday and Monday at Shahbagh or the Shaheed Minar.
He said they assured the Chief Adviser of their party’s participation in Monday’s programme.
Emphasising the need for unity to resist fascism and terrorism, Salahuddin said, “We want to show unity. We want to demonstrate a national unity against fascism and terrorism. This will be our strength.”
Asked whether Tarique Rahman’s security was discussed during the meeting, he said, “This issue was not discussed today. However, it is certainly our top priority. We will make efforts at the party level and also urge the government to ensure his security.”