Why is the BNP Condemning Violence Against Media Houses in Bangladesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BNP condemns violence against media.
- Attacks labeled as acts by enemies of the nation.
- Protests erupt following the death of a radical group spokesperson.
- Calls for protection of journalists and citizens.
- International concerns regarding security in Bangladesh.
Dhaka, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday categorically denounced the violent attacks against media houses and journalists, including The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, and other media professionals, labeling the aggressors as “enemies of Bangladesh”.
These remarks were delivered by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir after reports emerged that several media outlets and journalists were subjected to arson attacks following the demise of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the radical group Inqilab Mancha.
In a statement posted on his social media, Fakhrul expressed that while the nation mourned Hadi’s passing, “shameful attacks” were executed against media organizations, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, as well as against journalist Nurul Kabir and others.
He urged the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to guarantee the safety and security of all citizens in the nation.
“They wait for moments of crisis. Today, they transformed this tragic event into an act of destruction. I strongly condemn this act of terror!” the BNP leader asserted.
Shortly after the news of Hadi’s death surfaced, widespread violence erupted throughout Bangladesh.
In Rajshahi city, protesters used a bulldozer to demolish the Awami League office late Thursday night.
According to eyewitnesses, demonstrators initially gathered at Saheb Bazar Zero Point and later marched to the Awami League office around 11:30 pm under the banner ‘Students Against Hegemony’.
Members and leaders of Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU), along with the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Chhatra Shibir, participated in the protest march that navigated through the university campus before reaching the city center.
In a different incident, a residence belonging to the brother of former Awami League MP Habib Hasan was set ablaze in the capital’s Uttara early Friday, confirmed by the Fire Service and Civil Defence.
As unrest over Hadi’s death intensified, a mob torched the building of the cultural organization Chhayanaut in the Dhanmondi area of the capital during the early hours of Friday.
“The incident took place around 2:15 am,” UNB quoted Khaleda Yasmin, duty officer at the Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters control room, as stating.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to express New Delhi's serious concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has experienced a troubling increase in violence and a declining law and order situation under the Yunus-led interim government.
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