TDS Desk:

The government has already begun a pattern of killings, just as previous administrations did, BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has said.

He made the remark at a rally organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Cultural Organization in front of the National Press Club on Tuesday, arranged to demand the announcement of an urgent electoral roadmap.

Shamsuzzaman said that before debating what this government has achieved or failed to achieve, it must be acknowledged that it has been “involved” in the killing of workers.

He said: “Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina also had a history of killing workers and BNP leaders and activists, and the current administration has followed suit by initiating a record of killing in Comilla.”

Shamsuzzaman also said: “Under the interim government, workers have been killed, and leaders of political parties have been killed. The culprits must be brought under the law without delay. Otherwise, dissatisfaction will grow among the people and political activists.”

Questioning reforms under the interim government, the BNP vice chairman said: “The government is very active when it comes to reforms. But the country is somewhat concerned about the six-month reform plan, and so are we.

“We do not know what they have done. But what we do know is that the market has not stabilized yet… The syndicates have not been brought under control yet.”

He added: “People must have food, and the unemployed must have jobs. If you think you are incapable of handling these tasks, then formally hold meetings, set a date, and pave the way for those who can. If that does not happen, the crisis will only deepen.”

Addressing the chief adviser, the former MP said: “The students who brought you to power are now not receiving medical treatment. They have to protest for treatment. There can be no greater tragedy for the nation than this.”

He added: “If the state can ensure the payment of your salary, the salary of your advisers, the salary of secretaries, and the salary of the police, then why is there no allocation for the treatment of the injured? Why do they have to protest for medical treatment?”

In Comilla, Jubo Dal leader Touhidul Islam, 40, was picked up from his home by joint forces early on Friday. Then at 11am, he was taken to hospital in an unconscious state, where doctors declared him dead.

His family alleged that he died due to torture in custody. Doctors who examined his body also confirmed signs of physical abuse.

Touhidul Islam was the convener of the Jubo Dal in Panchthubi union under Comilla Adarsha Sadar Upazila. He was a resident of Italla village and worked for a shipping agent at Chittagong port.