Killing by police on 50th anniversary of independence heinous, scandalous: Fakhrul 

The BNP secretary general says many activists and leaders of their party have been arrested from all over the country

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the brutal killing of five protesters by the police on Friday – the 50th anniversary of the great Independence Day – is a heinous and scandalous chapter for us.

"Through these heinous murders, the government exposed their fascist character. We strongly condemn and protest these murders as it is our constitutional and democratic right to hold processions and rallies," Fakhrul added.

The BNP secretary general continued, "While the people are celebrating the great Independence Day, this illegitimate government has shed blood on the streets by its police force and Awami terrorists," reads a press release issued by BNP chairperson's office.

After Friday prayers at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on 26 March, the police indiscriminately fired on a peaceful procession of an organisation. Over 200 youths were fatally shot and injured by an attack by Awami League terrorists, adds the press release.

Moreover, at least four people have been killed and scores injured in a brutal police attack on a peaceful procession in Chattogram's Hathazari in protest of the heinous attack in the capital. 

At the same time, one more person was killed in Brahmanbaria.

Fakhrul said opposition parties and dissidents have long been subjected to assassinations, assassinations, and disappearances to maintain their illegitimate power. All the state organisations are trying to perpetuate authoritarian rule and establish a one-party system of governance.

He alleged that Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Juba Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal on Saturday staged nationwide protest processions in protest of this brutal killing. Police also attacked these procession and many activists and leaders have been arrested from all over the country.

In Habiganj, BNP Central Cooperative Affairs Secretary GK Gauch's son Barrister Manjurul Kibria, his brother GK Ghaffar and nephew Adnan Farhad were arrested by the police on Saturday without any reason.

Besides, eight leaders and activists, including the acting president of Habiganj District Swechchhasebak Dal Zahirul Haque Sharif, were shot in a police attack on a peaceful programme in the district on Saturday. They are undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Besides, the police are searching the houses of local BNP leaders and activists in Habiganj.

Meanwhile, during a peaceful procession in Gazipur, there was a chase and counter chase with the police and the activists.

Police arrested Gazipur District Juba Dal members Shamim Misir, Mahanagar Juba Dal Health Secretary Masud Mollah and District Chhatra Dal Organising Secretary Belayet Hossain from the procession. Besides, nine leaders and activists of Gazipur district and metropolis were seriously injured when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at the procession.

In Manikganj, the police have arrested Rakib Hossain, a student activist of Government Devendra College. Eight leaders and activists got injured in a clash with the police.

In Faridpur, District Juba Dal treasurer Ilias, former district Chhatra Dal general secretary Murad and member Hemayet and convener of the Municipal Volunteer Party Hasan have been arrested by police and more than 30 leaders and activists have been injured.

Nine leaders and activists were injured in a clash with the police in Narayanganj.

Bangladesh Chhatra Dal, Juba Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal have already called for protests and demonstrations on Sunday in protest of police attacks on the peaceful protest processions.

The BNP has announced a protest procession in all district headquarters in the country on 29 March. The party has urged all of its leaders, activists and people to take part in the processions.