Election unrest: Tarique Rahman's northern tour canceled

In the context of the political unrest in the country surrounding the upcoming national elections, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman's northern tour has been canceled for the time being. The BNP said that the party has taken this decision after the request of the Election Commission.

The party's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir informed reporters after an emergency meeting of the National Standing Committee at the BNP office in Gulshan in the capital on Friday (January 9) night.

He said that Tarique Rahman's program was scheduled to visit several districts of the northern region from January 11. The tour schedule included visiting the shrine of national leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, visiting the graves of martyr Abu Sayeed and other martyrs in the 2024 student-public uprising, and fulfilling some family duties. However, in view of the request of the Election Commission, it has been decided to temporarily postpone the tour.

Mirza Fakhrul alleged that a group is systematically creating unrest in the country with the aim of questioning and failing the national elections to be held in February. He also claimed that continuous political violence is being carried out to spoil the electoral atmosphere.

He further said that Osman Hadi alias Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi has already been shot dead. In addition, there have been attacks targeting political party leaders and activists in different parts of the country, especially several leaders of BNP. He also mentioned the recent shooting death of Swechchhasebak Dal leader Azizur Rahman alias Musabbir.

Expressing deep condemnation and anger over these incidents, the BNP Secretary General said that those involved in the murders should be arrested immediately and brought to justice. He also warned that if such violence continues, it will not be possible to hold free, fair and peaceful elections in the country.

Calling on the government and the Election Commission, Mirza Fakhrul said it is important to take effective and visible steps to improve the law and order situation, prevent political violence and bring the culprits to justice quickly, focusing on the elections.

Party sources said that the emergency meeting of the National Standing Committee also discussed the overall political situation of the country, the upcoming elections, party programs and organizational preparations in detail. According to BNP leaders, if violence and instability increase before the elections, the democratic process will be severely disrupted, which is not positive for the country.