The recent murder of scrap trader Lal Chand in Old Dhaka has drawn a sharp rebuke from the opposition. On Saturday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for the government to find those responsible and hold them accountable.
Speaking to Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal members in Gulshan, Fakhrul warned that patience was wearing thin and held the government responsible if it failed to act.
“I urge the government to promptly investigate…” he said, adding a stark warning: “Otherwise, the nation will not forgive you and will hold you responsible for creating these problems at a time when the country is being steered back onto the path of democracy.”
The brutal daylight killing near Mitford Hospital on 9 July has drawn national attention, particularly as several of the alleged assailants were reportedly linked to BNP’s affiliated organizations.
Sohag was beaten to death by a group of men using large chunks of concrete after reportedly refusing to pay extortion money.
In response, the BNP moved quickly to expel individuals allegedly involved. Among those removed from party posts are Rajjob Ali Pintu, assistant secretary for climate affairs of the Jubo Dal central executive committee; Sabah Karim Laki, joint convener of Dhaka South Jubo Dal; and Kalu, reportedly a member of Swechchhasebak Dal. All three were expelled for life.
Fakhrul distanced the party from the incident. “The BNP does not support any wrongdoing,” he said. He encouraged party workers to stay disciplined.
“Restrain everyone and ensure no one engages in any unlawful acts. The BNP upheld the rule of law in the past and will continue to do so.”
During his remarks, Fakhrul also renewed his call for national elections, citing a deteriorating law and order situation in the absence of a legitimate political process.
“We want a swift election through a transformation of the state system and structure because there is no alternative to democracy,” he said. “And the first step of democracy is an election.”
The statement reflects BNP’s broader push to restore political credibility while managing internal controversies and public scrutiny over violence involving party affiliates.
