BNP’s Publicity Secretary, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, has claimed that more than 500 leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organizations were killed during the ongoing July movement. In addition to the deaths, thousands have been injured in clashes and crackdowns.
According to Tuku, BNP, Chhatra Dal, and Jubo Dal have provided specific figures—numbers that no other political group has dared to disclose. He also emphasized that Tarique Rahman played a central role in spearheading the movement.
Tuku made these remarks on Wednesday, July 16, during a memorial meeting held at the Tangail Press Club Auditorium. The event was organized by the District Chhatra Dal to honor those who lost their lives during the historic July–August uprisings.
Speaking at the event, Tuku criticized political double standards, stating:
“The Awami League once crushed the Char Monai Pir, but now that same figure openly speaks against the BNP. He has become a wind beneath the wings of this fallen, authoritarian regime.”
Tuku urged the nation to look beyond individual interests and focus on the country:
“We must first move Bangladesh forward—everything else comes after. The people of Bangladesh stand with the BNP. Tarique Rahman’s call for a neutral election was not a mistake—it reflects the people’s will.”
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Addressing the interim government, Tuku challenged them to hold a fair election:
“Just give the people a chance to vote—and you’ll see they will choose the BNP. Just as Sheikh Hasina was afraid to face real elections, now you too are afraid. You fear the people. And whenever people have had the chance to vote freely, BNP has emerged victorious.”
Referring to the violent attack in Gopalganj earlier in the day, Tuku noted that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had already issued a formal statement.
“We also strongly condemn the incident on behalf of the party,” he added.
The memorial event was presided over by District Chhatra Dal Convener Durjoy Hor Shubho and moderated by Member Secretary M.A. Baten.
Other speakers included Advocate Farhad Iqbal, General Secretary of Tangail District BNP, Mahmudul Haque Sanu, former Member Secretary, Shafiqul Rahman Liton, former Joint Convener, Khondokar Rashedul Alam Rashed, Convener of Jubo Dal and Morsheda Begum, mother of Shaheed Maruf, among others.
