BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that the killing of former Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal leader Azizur Rahman Musabbir was carried out to put the current interim government in an awkward position.

He made the remarks in a condolence message issued on Thursday afternoon, strongly condemning and protesting what he described as an inhuman and brutal act carried out by criminals.

Mirza Fakhrul expressed deep concern over the incident.

Earlier on Wednesday night, miscreants shot dead Azizur Rahman Musabbir, former general secretary of Dhaka North unit of the Swechchhasebak Dal.

In his condolence message, the BNP leader said that after the fall of the Awami League’s autocratic rule following the student–mass movement, criminals have once again become involved in attempts to create instability and chaos in the country for their own gain.

He said the brutal killing of Azizur Rahman Musabbir was a grim manifestation of those destabilising activities.

Mirza Fakhrul alleged that the repeated occurrence of such horrific incidents is aimed at embarrassing the current interim government, adding that there is no alternative but to suppress such criminals with a firm hand.

He further said that all people, regardless of political affiliation or profession, must remain united to establish democracy and the people’s right to vote, as well as to protect lives and property.

Otherwise, he warned, allies of what he termed “Awami fascists” lying in wait would rear their heads and become desperate to endanger the country’s existence.

In the statement, the BNP secretary general demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for killing Musabbir.

He also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.