People have no right in this so-called democracy: Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said citizens, politicians or journalists don't have any rights in what this government calls democracy.

“We have been saying for a long time that people have no right in this country. Citizens, politicians or journalists don't have any rights in what this government calls democracy,” he said.

The BNP leader made the observation while talking to reporters at his home in Thakurgaon.

He also demanded withdrawal of the case filed against Prothom Alo’s senior reporter Rozina Islam and her immediate release.

He added: “Rozina Islam is well known at home and abroad for her contribution to investigative journalism. She has been faithfully fulfilling her responsibilities to bring out the truth to the public, particularly exposing corruptions in the health ministry during this Covid-19 pandemic that has resulted in this disgraceful event.”

It is unthinkable that a reputed journalist was confined for five hours in the secretariat and physically assaulted before being handed over to police, he said.

This is also not the first time that a journalist has been tortured for revealing the truth. Many have been imprisoned, killed and almost 50 were forced to leave the country before, he added.

Journalists' writings are controlled by the Digital Security Act and these are all heading towards creating a blueprint to destroy the democratic system, Fakhrul said.