The BNP has denounced the arson attack at Jatiya Party’s central office in Kakrail.

In a statement signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday, the party expressed deep concern over the incident.

The BNP said: “The attacks and arson at Jatiya Party’s office will create confusion and frustration among the public who aspire to build a democratic state and society after the July Uprising. This act contradicts both democracy and the spirit of July.”

“Differences of opinion may exist, but blocking freedom of expression through the use of force reflects an authoritarian mindset. We strongly condemn and protest the attack and vandalism at Jatiya Party’s central office.”

The statement also underlined the necessity of different political parties coexisting in a genuine democracy.

“The survival of a political party depends on the will of the people, not on threats, attacks, or intimidation. Attempting to halt the activities of any party through violence is incompatible with the principles of universal multiparty democracy.”

Earlier on Friday, the Jatiya Party headquarters came under attack for the second time in five days, with the party blaming leaders and activists of Gono Odhikar Parishad for the incident.

According to Jatiya Party leaders, after holding a solidarity rally in Shahbagh on Friday, Gono Odhikar Parishad activists marched to Kakrail, broke through police barricades, stormed the office and set it ablaze. The rally had demanded a ban on Jatiya Party, branding it “an ally of fascists”.

Following the second arson attack, Jatiya Party renewed its demand for the cancellation of Gono Odhikar Parishad’s registration.