BNP Condemns Attack on Jatiya Party Office

PNN News Desk | Dhaka:

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed deep concern and condemnation over the attack and vandalism at the Jatiya Party (JAPA) central office in Kakrail, Dhaka.

In a statement on Saturday, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that arson and vandalism at a political office is a severe threat to democracy and violates public expectations. He added, “Differences of opinion are natural, but attempting to suppress freedom of expression through the use of force reflects nothing but an authoritarian mindset.”

The statement further emphasized that in a true democratic system, the presence of multiple parties is essential. Whether a political party’s organizational activities continue should depend solely on public support. Any attempt to halt a political party’s work through attacks, threats, or violent actions is anti-democratic.

For context, on Friday evening, the JAPA office in Kakrail was attacked, vandalized, and set on fire. Furniture and documents on the ground floor were destroyed, and portraits of Ershad and party logos on the walls were damaged. JAPA leaders and activists present at the scene staged a protest rally.

JAPA blamed the Gana Odhikar Parishad (GOP) for the incident, although the organization has denied any involvement. Notably, on August 29, following clashes between JAPA and GOP, JAPA’s office had also been vandalized, during which GOP President Nurul Haque was seriously injured and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.