Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited the residence of arrested journalist Shafik Rehman on Sunday.
Mirza Fakhrul along with party’s Vice-Chairman Abdullah Al Noman, chairperson’s Adviser Abdul Awal Mintoo and BNP’s Finance Secretary Abdus Salam went to Shafik Rehman’s residence at Eskaton Garden in the city in the afternoon. The BNP leaders talked to Shafik Rehman’s wife Taleya Rehman, who is also Executive Director of ‘Democracy Watch’, an NGO and a former BBC journalist.
Talking to the reporters after visiting the residence, Mirza Fakhrul criticised the government for appealing to the court for placing an aged journalist on remand. The BNP leader called for immediate release of Shafik Rehman.
“False charges are being brought against those who oppose the government and hold different views. They are being harassed and arrested in one way or the other. It can’t be accepted putting a veteran journalist behind the bar,” Mirza Fakhrul said.
He alleged that the government arrested him, as he used to write against unjust and misdeeds of the government. He urged the government to ensure justice for Shafik Rehman.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad, a pro-BNP professional body, formed a human chain in front of the National Press Club demanding release of Shafik Rehman, Amar Desh Acting Editor Mahmudur Rahman and BFUJ President Shawkat Mahmud.
BNP’s standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan addressed the human chain as the chief guest. BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Dr AZM Zahid Hossian also addressed the programme, among others.
Nazrul Islam Khan said that the downfall of the government has to be ensured to restore democracy in the country.
