Dhaka, Jan 8: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Wednesday issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the interim government, demanding the immediate arrest of those involved in the killing of Azizur Rahman Musabbir, a former leader of its volunteer wing.
Musabbir, who previously served as general secretary of Dhaka City North Swechchhasebak Dal, was shot dead by unidentified attackers in an alley near Karwan Bazar in the capital on Tuesday night, according to party officials.
Speaking to reporters before Musabbir’s funeral prayers at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, Joint Secretary General Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel warned that failure to act within the stipulated time would raise serious questions about the government’s commitment to law and order.
“If those responsible are not brought to justice within 24 hours, it will reflect a lack of sincerity on the part of the authorities,” Sohel said, expressing concern over what he described as a deteriorating security situation.
He also criticised what he called repeated assurances without concrete action, urging the administration to move beyond statements and ensure accountability. Referring to past incidents, Sohel said suspects in the killing of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi have yet to be arrested, despite government promises.
Reiterating the BNP’s political stance, party leaders said the killing would not deter their movement under the leadership of acting chairman Tarique Rahman. They asserted that their demand for a “people’s government” would continue through constitutional and electoral means, regardless of threats or violence.
Senior BNP figures, including Central Sports Affairs Secretary Aminul Haque and Swechchhasebak Dal leader Mir Sharafat Ali Safu, also addressed the gathering.
Musabbir’s namaz-e-janaza was held in the afternoon and was attended by a large number of BNP leaders, activists and supporters.
