Dhaka, July 20: BNP leaders and activists staged a torch procession in Dhaka this evening (20 July) to protest against what they termed as defamatory remarks targeting the party’s top leaders.
The procession, led by BNP International Affairs Committee member Engineer Ishraque Hossain began at 7:30pm from Nayabazar intersection and concluded in front of the local BNP office, passing through Tatibazar, Gulistan, and Paltan.
The procession was organised under the banner “Amra Dhaka Nagarbasi (We, the residents of Dhaka”.
Addressing a brief rally before the march, Ishraque Hossain alleged that the National Citizen Party (NCP) has no public support and is conspiring to delay elections under the guise of a proportional representation (PR) system. There isn’t a single constituency in Bangladesh where the NCP can win,” he said.
He criticised NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari for his remarks about BNP’s Salahuddin Ahmed in Cox’s Bazar, demanding a public apology.
“Freedom of speech doesn’t give anyone the right to socially humiliate others,” he added, warning that people across the country would reject such behaviour, just as in Chakaria.
Ishraque also questioned the NCP’s role in the July movement, asking how many of their leaders had made sacrifices.
“It was BNP, Chhatra Dal, and Jubo Dal leaders who faced death at the front lines. Today, their sacrifice is being exploited, and their leader, Tarique Rahman — the pride of youth — is being slandered,” he said.
He went on to allege that the killing of three BNP members in Gopalganj by “Awami terrorists” did not draw adequate condemnation or state response.
“Even the media turns silent when it involves a new party,” he added.