Bomb Explosions, Protests by Banned Chhatra League Activists Spark Panic; BNP Mobilises to Counter the Threat

Banned Chhatra League leaders and activists are allegedly creating panic among the public through protests, clashes, arson attacks on vehicles, burning tyres and bomb explosions in different parts of the country.

In response, BNP is strengthening its organisational activities, particularly in Dhaka. Following the formation of new committees of Dhaka Metropolitan North and South BNP, the party is preparing to tackle political challenges and prevent sabotage.

The new committees have brought forward leaders with experience in political movements and organisational activities. Party leaders believe the new leadership will strengthen the organisation and help maintain unity among grassroots activists.

In Dhaka North, Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton was appointed convener and Dhaka-18 MP SM Jahangir Hossain member secretary. In Dhaka South, freedom fighter Abdus Salam was appointed convener, Abdul Qadir Bhuiyan Jewel senior joint convener and Tanvir Ahmed Robin member secretary.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mr Asaduzzaman said political leaders must prove their worth through their work, qualifications, skills and organisational contributions. He said party interests should take precedence over personal interests and urged leaders to maintain unity and work for public welfare.

Dhaka-6 MP Mr Ishraque Hossain said, “Under the Prime Minister’s directives, we will build resistance on the streets with the people.”

He said law enforcement agencies alone could not control everything in a country of 180 million people. Therefore, the government had decided to address the situation politically as well.

“We, the MPs, will build political resistance in our respective areas with party activists and ordinary people. We will remain on the streets,” he said.

He added that the people had rejected the Awami League and that its future political activities would depend on the court’s decision following the trial over the 2024 mass uprising. He also alleged that party leaders living abroad were directing isolated acts of sabotage.

Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir said the government led by Mr Tarique Rahman could not be intimidated by cocktail explosions and firecrackers.

“For the past 17 years, our dream was to see Mr Tarique Rahman take responsibility for governing the country through the people’s votes. That dream has now been realised. We must work together to make his government successful. There must be no division or disunity among us,” he said.

He urged party activists to remain united and support the government, adding that Chhatra Dal would continue playing an active role against any conspiracy.

Dhaka South BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin said he had always believed that politics should serve people and their welfare. Recalling his family’s political background and his own involvement in political movements, he said he had faced oppression and persecution during the previous regime but never abandoned his political ideals.

He described his appointment as recognition of his longstanding involvement in political movements and organisational activities. He pledged to discharge his responsibilities with honesty and dedication and remain close to ordinary people.

Political analyst and Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Mohammad Almojaddeddi Alfezani described the formation of the new metropolitan committees as a timely decision. He said the committees recognised experienced and dedicated leaders who had remained committed to the party despite years of political adversity.

Dhaka South BNP Convener Abdus Salam said his accountability to the people had increased after being given the responsibility. He said earning public trust through his work would be his main goal.

Senior Joint Convener Abdul Qadir Bhuiyan Jewel said the new committees had recognised leaders who remained committed to the party through years of political movements, attacks and persecution. He said their priorities would include maintaining organisational discipline, ensuring unity and working for public welfare.

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that the banned Awami League was attempting to create instability through sabotage, arson and bomb attacks.

He said forces opposed to democracy were conspiring to push the country into darkness again. He urged people to remain united and said those involved in sabotage must be identified and brought to justice.

Mr Rizvi also said Dhaka Metropolitan North and South BNP had important roles in protecting democracy and tackling political challenges. He warned that any attempt to create disorder would face resistance from BNP leaders and activists.