BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed concerns over the law and order situation in the country ahead of national elections, saying he is not satisfied with the performance of law enforcement agencies, report agencies.
"The rate at which political leaders are being killed, particularly some leaders of our party, is truly worrying," Fakhrul told reporters at his residence in Thakurgaon on Friday morning.
"We have strongly condemned these murders, but no action has been taken by the government. We hope the authorities will act responsibly and prevent such incidents during the elections," Fakhrul said.
Regarding Tarique Rahman's visit to northern districts, Fakhrul described it as a personal goodwill tour.
Tarique Rahman plans to visit Bogura, his home district, then pay respects to July martyr Abu Sayeed in Rangpur, followed by visits to Dinajpur and Thakurgaon, where he will participate in mass prayers for Begum Khaleda Zia and honour other martyrs.
Mirza Fakhrul said when Tarique Rahman returned to the country, millions of people welcomed him in Dhaka.
He expects similar enthusiasm from local leaders and activists in the districts.
On student union elections, Fakhrul said during the previous government, student organisations, especially Chhatra Dal, were prevented from operating in universities, limiting their organisational activities.
He emphasised that university elections have never influenced national elections and hoped that that will not have an impact this time either.
Regarding the referendum, Fakhrul said BNP had proposed holding it alongside the national parliamentary election, and that is now happening.
"In 2016 and 2023, we presented our proposals to the nation through 31 points. The reform process is ongoing, and I see no reason not to acknowledge that," he added.
Meanwhile, BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan has expressed the hope that his party's rebel candidates will withdraw from the race within the deadline set in the election schedule, otherwise the party will take organisational action.
"The withdrawal period has not ended yet. We have asked them to respect the party decision and withdraw their nomination papers. We hope they will withdraw," he said while talking to reporters after inaugurating a photo show on late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on Friday.
Nazrul also said many rebels have already informed the party that they will quit. "I think the situation will improve within the withdrawal timeframe. Otherwise, the party will take organisational action against them."
