BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday accused certain political quarters of deeply plotting to destabilise the country and derail the upcoming election and democratic process by using the Mitford murder incident to divert politics in a different direction.

Speaking at a demonstration rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he said, “This plan and conspiracy are extremely dangerous. The aim is to create fresh unrest and division in the country and to push Bangladesh back to a state where democracy is once again obliterated.”

Fakhrul, however, said the BNP is moving forward towards democracy in a peaceful manner. “We want democracy through peaceful means. Our only goal is to ensure that the national election is held in February 2026.”

He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, after discussions in London, decided that the next general election must be held in February 2026, and there will be no exception to this.

Fakhrul said when BNP leaders and activists are working to implement their 31-point proposal to rebuild Bangladesh, some political cliques are indulging in plots. “They are trying to use the Mitford incident to divert the course of politics in a different direction.”

The BNP leader said this kind of conspiracy is nothing new. “As the people of Bangladesh are trying to stand tall, these conspirators make fresh attempts to create instability, prevent the election from taking place, and deny voters their right to franchise.”

BNP’s Dhaka South and North city units arranged the programme protesting the continuous conspiratorial lies and propaganda and demanding exemplary punishment for the barbaric murder of scrap trader Shohag near Mitford Hospital.

Fakhrul said some so-called political leaders and workers have used indecent and offensive language against Tarique Rahman, thinking it will weaken BNP and frighten its leaders and supporters. “But BNP is a party that has faced many challenges and risen again and again like a phoenix. This is the party founded by Ziaur Rahman.”

In light of the current situation in the country, Mirza Fakhrul urged BNP leaders and activists to act responsibly, emphasising the party's role as a major political force and a democratic entity in Bangladesh.

“My request to the party leaders and activists is that you should not fall into anyone's trap. They are trying to provoke us to fall into their trap, but we should not get excited,” Fakhrul said.

He also urged the BNP rank and file to face the situation with patience and refrain from doing anything that gives any opportunity to the enemies of democracy to malign the party.

“Those who use vulgar language against Tarique Rahman and speak against BNP are, in fact, enemies of democracy,” the BNP leader said.

He called upon the party leaders and followers to stage their demonstration in a peaceful manner, sending out a clear message to everyone that BNP will not compromise on the issue of democracy.

“We want elections to be held within the timeframe that has already been decided. We want to restore people’s right to vote and rebuild a new Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said.

He said some political party leaders have become crazy since it has been confirmed, following the Chief Adviser and Tarique Rahman’s meeting, the election will be held in February next.

The BNP leader called upon all patriotic political parties to get united and move forward together in the interest of democracy.

Condemning the brutal killing of Lal Chand Shohag, who was publicly beaten to death in the Mitford area on Wednesday, Fakhrul said, “We have clearly stated that this murder must be thoroughly investigated, those responsible must be identified, and exemplary punishment must be ensured. Those committing such brutal killings are doing so to destroy Bangladesh.”

Later, thousands of leaders and workers of the party brought out a procession registering their protest against derogatory comments about Tarique Rahman. The procession passed through Bijoynagar and ended at the Jatiya Press Club.

Earlier in the day, several thousand leaders and workers of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal also staged a demonstration at Nayapaltan on the same ground.

They also brought out a procession from Nayapaltan towards Shahbagh, causing serious traffic congestion in the city.

Leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal, from various educational institutions, gathered in front of the party's central office in Nayapaltan and started a protest march around 2pm.

During the march, Chhatra Dal activists chanted slogans against those who make derogatory comments about Tarique Rahman and those who have long been involved in secret activities aimed at disrupting the academic environment.

The JCD leaders and activists blocked Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection for a short time to protest against mob incitement and the ongoing disruption in educational institutions. They also expressed strong concern over the worsening law and order situation.