Rajshahi BNP leader’s public ‘death threat’ against Sheikh Hasina: AL calls for countrywide rallies

Bangladesh Awami League and its associate organizations will be holding processions and rallies in all district and metropolitan areas tomorrow (May 22, 2023), protesting Rajshahi district BNP Convener Abu Sayeed Chand making a “death threat” to Prime Minister and AL President Sheikh Hasina.

In a video posted on AL’s verified Facebook page, that had been circulating on social media and reported on by media outlets, Abu Sayeed Chand is heard saying: “No more 27- or 10-point demand, just one point now – send Sheikh Hasina to the grave!”

According to the video, the speech was given on May 19 at a Rajshahi district and metropolitan BNP rally.

The video of the BNP leader making the “death threat” has already triggered discussion on social media with many wondering why no top BNP leader has addressed the incident yet considering the gravity of it.

AL leaders and activists are taking the “death threat” seriously considering 19 attempts made on Sheikh Hasina’s life, including the heinous grenade attack in 2004 on an Awami League rally, in which around 24 leaders and activists were killed. BNP’s acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman was convicted for his involvement in planning the grenade attack.

Last year, a BNP volunteer front – Swechchhasebok Dal – leader’s similar “threat” to the PM also sparked anger on social media. In a speech, video of which went viral soon after, Abdul Qader Bhuiyan was heard publicly calling to restage “another 1975”, referring to the brutal massacre of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family members by a group of disgruntled army officers. Calling it a “very clear death threat,” Bangladesh Muktijuddho Mancha demanded immediate arrest of the BNP leader at the time.