BNP today protested the detention of Prothom Alo reporter Samsuzzaman Shams by law enforcers, saying it is a dreadful incident.
Speaking at a press conference at party chairperson Khaleda Zia's Gulshan office, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also warned that the government will only face losses instead of political gains by arresting any journalist.
Somoy Television's feature last night claimed that Samsuzzaman's report on March 26 was to embarrass the government, Fakhrul mentioned.
"But I don't understand what crime the journalist has committed... I strongly condemn the detention of Shasuzzaman Shams and demand his immediate unconditional release," Fakhrul said.
The BNP leader also said people can question the benefit of independence when they do not get food to eat, and are subjected to repression, suppression, and murder.
Fakhrul alleged that the government is trying to create a climate of fear across the country ahead of the election by resorting to extrajudicial killing and having people picked up by Rab, DB and other law enforcement agencies.
By killing Sultana Jasmine, an employee of union-level land office in Naogaon, Rab sent out a message that they have become activated again, Fakhrul claimed.
"This is an incident of serious human rights violation," the BNP secretary general added.
He further said their party's standing committee demands that true information be presented in front of the public through an impartial investigation immediately.
