Dhaka, July 14 — The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has denied involvement in the recent gruesome murder of a scrap trader in Old Dhaka, alleging that the incident is being politically manipulated to destabilise the pre-election environment.
The victim, 43-year-old Lal Chand Sohag, was brutally attacked and killed on July 9 near Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital. The accused, Mahmudul Hasan Mohin, a leader of the BNP’s youth wing Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, and several others reportedly beat Sohag with stones after stripping him, causing fatal injuries. Sohag, the sole breadwinner of his family, died on the spot. A video of the brutal assault later went viral, sparking nationwide outrage.
In response, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the formation of an internal investigation committee to uncover the truth behind the murder. At a press briefing, he claimed the killing is being exploited to serve “political agendas” and disrupt the atmosphere ahead of national elections.
“There are reasons to suspect this incident is being used as a tool by certain quarters to create unrest,” he said, adding that the BNP’s fact-finding committee will present its findings publicly.
Meanwhile, the ruling Awami League has condemned the murder, blaming BNP affiliates for the “barbaric” act. In a statement, the party accused the interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, of attempting a cover-up before the video surfaced online.
Since taking office in August 2024, the Yunus-led regime has faced criticism over increasing violence, particularly targeting journalists, minorities, and Awami League supporters. Allegations include extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and incitement of communal violence—all of which remain largely unaddressed.
