A terrorist attack on a BNP candidate is a "deep conspiracy" to delay the upcoming national election, a senior party leader alleged on Thursday.
Barrister Mir Md. Helal Uddin, Chattogram Divisional BNP Organizing Secretary, made the statement while addressing a protest rally at the Nasimon Bhaban party office. The rally was organized by Chattogram Metropolitan BNP to denounce the attack on Ershad Ullah, the party's convener for Chattogram Metropolitan and its candidate for the Chattogram-8 constituency.
Helal characterized the assault as a "brutal manifestation of anti-democratic activities."
"This attack is not just on a candidate or a party—it is an attempt to trample on the democratic rights of the entire nation," he told the gathering.
Presided over by Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Joint Convener Md. Mia Bhola, the rally served as a platform for the party to issue a stern warning to the administration.
Helal asserted that ensuring public safety is the constitutional duty of the administration and issued an ultimatum.
"We urge the administration to bring illegal arms holders, the attacking terrorists, and their sponsors under the law within 48 hours," he said. "Otherwise, patriotic people of Chattogram and all over the country will be forced to launch a tough movement."
He further claimed that the people of the country are no longer afraid and that the BNP cannot be silenced through "torture, attacks, disappearances, and lawsuits." He called on the administration to prevent any recurrence of such incidents and to create an environment for a "fair, free, and neutral election."
Echoing this sentiment, Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Member Secretary Muhammad Nazimur Rahman stated, "BNP cannot be suppressed by threats of attacks in the election field. Every leader and activist of Chattogram is now more united and determined. We will restore democracy through peaceful movement."
Adding to the chorus of defiance, former member secretary Abul Hashem Bakkar said, "This attack is a conspiracy to disrupt the elections, but we are not afraid. We believe in the trust and support of the people—we will ensure the downfall of terrorism with the power of the people."
Following the rally, it was announced that Chattogram Metropolitan BNP will hold a Milad and Doa Mahfil at the party office mosque next Saturday, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and for the well-being of the nation.
The event was attended by a wide array of party leaders, including joint conveners, members of various affiliated wings, and senior figures.
