Attackers of BNP motorcade in Feni were clearly from AL, says Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir says there is no doubt that the attackers of the BNP motorcade in Feni are ‘known goons’ of the ruling Awami League party.

The BNP leader made the statement while visiting media personnel who had been injured in the attack at two hotels in Chittagong on Sunday.

“We can identify them in newspapers and photos. It is clear they are from the Awami League, Chhatra League or Jubo League. The newspapers are saying they are. Their identities have been reported.”

Fakhrul also demanded their immediate arrest and trial.

“Whenever the government tries to downplay or deny these situations it becomes apparent they were involved. They attacked you [the media], they attacked madam, they attacked me – who else is left?”

A motorcade carrying senior BNP leaders and members of the press was attacked near the Chauddagram area before entering Feni. The delegation led by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had planned to stop in Feni for lunch on their way to the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.

After Khaleda’s vehicle passed, a group of armed men attacked the motorcade and damaged 30 vehicles, mostly belonging to the media. Some journalists were beaten even after identifying themselves.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader denied his party was involved in the attack and called it an incident staged by the BNP to get media attention for Khaleda’s trip.

“They fought among themselves and are trying to blame it on us. The incident was planned,” he told the media at the Secretariat on Sunday.

Quader asked why the Awami League would want to attack the media or stop the BNP motorcade from visiting the Rohingya camps.

“When it became apparent people weren’t paying attention they staged an incident near her own constituency and blamed the government,” he said.

The Awami League government ‘does not tolerate’ opposition, claimed Fakhrul.

“They do not tolerate those who spread such news. What other evidence does one need to see their one-party rule?”

“You all try to remain impartial. You face all sorts of threats. You are not allied with any party, but try to tell the truth. But if you lose that right, how can the media be independent?”

The BNP motorcade rested in Feni after the attack. On Sunday, Khaleda and the BNP motorcade left Chittagong for Cox’s Bazar. On Monday, the BNP will distribute aid at the Rohingya refugee camps at Balukhali, Bowalmara and Jamtali.