Dhaka is on edge as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders raise the alarm over escalating political violence just weeks before the February general elections. The party has sharply criticized the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus for failing to maintain law and order, with targeted killings of opposition figures casting a dark shadow over the democratic process.
BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, speaking to journalists at his residence in Thakurgaon district, described the murders of political leaders—especially BNP members—as deeply alarming. ‘We have strongly condemned these killings, but the government has taken no concrete action,’ he stated, urging authorities to act responsibly to prevent further incidents during the election period.
The latest tragedy unfolded late Thursday in Panchbibi sub-district of Joypurhat district, where 31-year-old Yanul Hussain, an active member of BNP’s youth wing Jubo Dal, was brutally killed in an attack. His 22-year-old brother Abdul Momin suffered severe injuries. Local media, citing police sources, reported that rivals ambushed the brothers, leading to Yanul’s death at Mahipur health complex despite medical efforts.
Panchbibi police chief Hafiz Raihan confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway to uncover the motives. This killing comes amid a spate of violence, including the Wednesday night assassination of BNP volunteer wing leader Azizur Rahman Mosabbir in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar area. Assailants on motorcycles opened fire at a tea stall near Bashundhara City shopping mall, fleeing the scene after the attack.
As Bangladesh gears up for polls on February 12, these events highlight a deteriorating security landscape. BNP’s concerns underscore broader fears that unchecked violence could undermine the elections’ integrity. With public trust in law enforcement waning, the interim administration faces mounting pressure to restore order and ensure a fair vote.