Tarique Rahman postpones northern districts tour after EC’s request

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has postponed his planned trip to the northern districts following a request from the Election Commission.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed the development to the press after a Standing Committee meeting on Friday night.

“Due to the Election Commission’s request, Tarique Rahman’s trip to the northern region, initially scheduled for January 11, has been postponed,” Fakhrul said.

According to the earlier plan, Tarique was set to leave Dhaka on January 11 and return on January 14.

During the four-day trip, he was scheduled to visit nine districts in northern Bangladesh. The tour was to begin with visits to Tangail, Sirajganj, and Bogura, where he was to stay overnight.

Tarique has assumed the position of BNP chairman after a Standing Committee meeting on Friday.

Mirza Fakhrul also said that if killings continue, the environment for the upcoming elections will be disrupted.

“The election is scheduled for February 12, but certain groups are plotting in various ways to cast doubt on the election and sabotage the process.”

He highlighted the recent killings, saying, “Hadi was shot and killed. Similarly, several political leaders, particularly some BNP leaders, have been shot. Swechchhasebak Dal leader Musabbir was also shot to death. 

“We have demanded the immediate arrest of the killers and their prosecution under the law,” he added.

“We once again urge the government and the Election Commission to take all necessary measures to ensure that the election environment remains intact and is not undermined,” Fakhrul added.