Heavily criticizing the government and law enforcers for their actions during BNP's black flag program, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the police action on peaceful protesters proves that there is no democracy left in the country.
He made the statement during a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters on Saturday.
"When I asked why they were barring us, without a word they blasted me with the water cannon," he said at the press briefing. He also said the police fired tear gas shells inside the BNP office.
"BNP party members came to support a righteous cause peacefully. The police charged at us, critically injured many. Then they dragged our party members to the police van,” he said.
Around 10:30am, police dispersed the BNP program. The police action began after BNP senior leaders and activists started gathering in front of their central office with black flags.
Several BNP leaders and activists, including Organizing Secretary Fazlul Haq Milon, Advisory Council member Ataur Rahman Dhali and former MP Nilofer Chowdhury Moni, sustained injuries during the incident. Hundreds of others, including Fakhrul, were allegedly injured as well.
Police have detained several BNP leaders, including Joint Secretary General Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal and Mostafizur Rahman Babul.
"We demand our party members be released without delay as they are being held unjustly," Fakhrul said regarding the arrests.
BNP had applied for permission to hold a mass rally at Suhrawardy Udyan or Nayapaltan on February 22. However, the authorities denied their request. Dissatisfied, the party decided to hold a black flag protest on Saturday morning.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
