FE REPORT
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Thursday strongly condemned the killing of Swechchhasebak Dal leader Azizur Rahman Musabbir and demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible, warning that such incidents are part of a broader attempt to destabilise the country amid a fragile political transition.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, in a statement issued in the afternoon, described the killing as a "brutal and horrifying act" and alleged that miscreants have once again become active to exploit the prevailing situation following the fall of the "Awami autocratic regime."
"After the fall of the Awami autocratic regime through the mass movement led by student-people, miscreants have again become active in their evil efforts to create instability in the country and cash in on chaos," Fakhrul said.
He said the murder of Musabbir, former general secretary of Dhaka North city unit of Swechchhasebak Dal, reflected a calculated attempt to create fear and push the country towards disorder.
Fakhrul urged people from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation, to remain united to protect democracy, safety, and people's voting rights.
Earlier on the day, Musabbir's funeral prayers were held at BNP's central office area in Naya Paltan after the Zuhr prayers where party leaders, activists, and supporters gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects.
Swechchhasebak Dal joint secretary Nurul Huda Babu told the FE that Musabbir was a dedicated organiser who had remained active during difficult periods for the party. He was jailed more than ten times during the fascist regime solely for his belief in Bangladeshi nationalism.
After the funeral, party leaders reiterated their demand for a transparent investigation and warned that any attempt to shield the perpetrators would be strongly resisted through democratic means.
BNP Standing Committee member Salauddin Ahmed, reacting to the killing, said such violence threatens the country's return to democratic normalcy. Speaking to reporters, he said the murder of a political activist at this juncture was "deeply alarming" and questioned how law and order could deteriorate so quickly if firm action was not taken.
He urged the interim authorities to ensure that no individual or group involved in political violence is spared, regardless of identity or affiliation. "Justice delayed or denied will only encourage further crimes," he added.
Meanwhile, a case has been filed against five to six people in connection with the murder of Musabbir.
Officer -in-Charge (OC) of Tejgaon Police Station Kaisainu said that Suraiya Begum, wife of the victim, filed the case on Thursday morning.
Azizur Rahman Musabbir was shot dead and another man named Sufian Byapari Masud was injured when miscreants opened fire on them in the city's Karwan Bazar area at 8:40 pm on Wednesday.
The injured man was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Inspector Md Faruk, in charge of the DMCH camp, said Masud sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of abdomen.
Masud is the general secretary of Tejgaon thana Van Workers' Union and a resident of Keraniganj.
The OC of Tejgaon Police Station said efforts were underway to identify the attackers by reviewing CCTV footage from nearby establishments.
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