Arrests of BNP leaders not politically driven, says law minister

Their arrests stem from alleged criminal activities, says Anisul Huq

The arrests of BNP leaders are not politically motivated but rather based on criminal allegations, according to Law Minister Anisul Huq.

Asked about the recent arrests of BNP leaders on Sunday, he said, "I believe the Ministry of Home Affairs is the appropriate authority to address this question."

"These BNP leaders have not been detained for political reasons. Their arrests stem from alleged criminal activities, which are unrelated to politics."

Several cases have been filed in connection with the deadly clashes between BNP supporters and the police during the opposition group's anti-government rally on Oct 28. Senior BNP figures, such as Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Mirza Abbas, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Moazzem Hossain Alal, Zahiduddin Swapan, and Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, have since been detained.

Numerous BNP leaders and activists are currently in hiding, and the opposition group has announced a fresh 48-hour blockade, which began on Sunday, following a day-long hartal and a three-day blockade last week.

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the senior joint secretary general of the BNP, suggested that their protest activities would escalate in the upcoming weeks.