The BNP has sounded the alarm over what it calls a “dangerous and calculated conspiracy” targeting the party and its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, with Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urging activists to stay vigilant and not fall into the regime’s trap.

Addressing a charged rally outside the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, ahead of Monday’s protest march, Fakhrul accused the ruling quarters of “provoking the BNP into missteps” to justify a crackdown and derail the party’s electoral roadmap.

“They’re goading us to react, to fall into their trap,” Fakhrul declared to the crowd. “But we won’t play into their hands.”

Fakhrul condemned recent “offensive and slanderous attacks” on Tarique Rahman, warning that those who malign him are “enemies of democracy and enemies of the people.”

Backlash Over Brutal Killing

The demonstration comes amid national outrage over the gruesome daylight murder of scrap trader Md Sohag alias Lal Chand, who was lynched near Mitford Hospital on Wednesday. The killing has triggered street protests by multiple political groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and the National Citizen Party (NCP), all demanding justice and accountability.

The BNP has swiftly responded by expelling eight party-linked individuals suspected of involvement and has called out the interim government’s failure to arrest the real perpetrators.

“This murder must not go unpunished,” Fakhrul said. “We demand a full, impartial investigation, and exemplary punishment for the killers. Those behind the killing want to destroy Bangladesh. This Is a Plot to Destabilise the Nation”

Fakhrul painted a broader picture, calling the situation part of a “devastating scheme” to destabilise Bangladesh, incite unrest, and eliminate democratic opposition.

“Their goal is to plunge the nation into chaos and silence dissent. But we will not let fascism take hold. We must face this moment with resolve.”

Reaffirming BNP’s commitment to the February 2026 general election, Fakhrul said Tarique Rahman has “finalised the decision” in consultation with the party’s chief advisor, and the timeline “will not change.”

“As soon as we declared our election roadmap, their heads started spinning,” he said. “They fear the people’s vote. But we are determined to return the right to vote, jobs, and justice.”

Abbas: ‘BNP Is the Heartbeat of the Nation’

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas echoed Fakhrul’s warning and dismissed efforts to erase the party’s influence.

“BNP lives in the people’s hearts. You can’t erase us no matter how hard you try.”

He launched scathing criticism against Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Charmonai Pir, accusing them of hypocrisy and historical silence during the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown.

“When Muslims were attacked at Shapla Chattar, where were they? It was the BNP that stood up, not Charmonai.”

Turning to Jamaat-e-Islami, Abbas accused the party of “hollow rhetoric and strategic extortion.”

“You jumped from Ershad to Awami League, and even leaned on us when convenient. Now you think BNP’s fall will clear your path. That will never happen.”

He also ridiculed the National Citizen Party (NCP), branding it the “Bangladesh Children’s Party”, and dismissed their attacks on Ziaur Rahman and Tarique Rahman.

“Even their ancestors knew who Ziaur Rahman was. These people don’t deserve to be taken seriously.”

March for Justice

The protest march—jointly organised by the BNP’s Dhaka North and South units—demanded swift justice for the Mitford killing and denounced what the party called a “campaign of lies and character assassination” against Tarique Rahman.

The march concluded at the National Press Club, passing through Bijoy Nagar, with participants chanting slogans for justice, democracy, and a new Bangladesh under Tarique’s leadership.