Fakhrul raises concern over violence amid tribunal verdict

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed concern over the rising unrest in the country following the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict on crimes against humanity.

Speaking at a book launch and documentary screening at Gulshan inDhaka on Wednesday, he said that certain groups appear to be deliberately diverting public attention to downplay the significance of the verdict.

“While the tribunal delivers a verdict against fascist Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity, violence and mob frenzy are being created simultaneously. I do not know what this indicates, but it seems some are trying to distract from the verdict’s importance. Political parties need to carefully examine this,” Fakhrul said.

Reiterating that BNP is a liberal democratic party committed to democracy, he said the country’s future depends on restoring democratic institutions. “To prevent Bangladesh from becoming a failed state, the judiciary must be independent, the media free, parliament effective, and the rule of law upheld. All democratic forces must unite to ensure this,” he added.

Fakhrul also criticized attempts by some groups to monopolize the reform narrative. “If anyone claims to initiate reforms unilaterally, it is narrow-minded. BNP has long proposed reforms through its 10-, 27-, and 31-point agendas. Now some are trying to divert these initiatives,” he said.

He welcomed the effort to document the history of the last 16 years of democratic struggle through the book and documentary, urging broader recognition of the initiative.

The event was attended by BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moin Khan, Selima Rahman, Vice Chairman Mir Nasir Uddin, Dr Osman Faruk, and other political leaders, along with representatives from allied parties and journalist associations.