NATIONAL
Local BNP leaders declare Patwary unwelcome in Narayanganj over 'insulting remarks' about PM Tarique
NUTSHELL TODAY DESK|
1:14
In a Nutshell:
- Narayanganj Metropolitan BNP Joint Convener Fateh Mohammad Reza Ripon declared Nasiruddin Patwary unwelcome in Narayanganj.
- The joint convener said, "If a few cockroaches say even the slightest thing against Tarique Rahman, we should crush them to death with our shoes."
- He also said that BNP activists would resist Patwary if he entered the city in future.
Why it Matters
The threat comes after repeated attacks on NCP convoys in Habiganj and Sylhet, followed by sharp exchanges and allegations between NCP and BNP leaders. The incidents reflect an increasingly tense and confrontational political climate, with public threats against political opponents raising concerns about political tolerance and the ability of parties to campaign freely.
What We Think
Freedom of speech is a Constitutional right that includes the right to criticise political opponents, even in strong terms, as long as it does not incite violence or break the law. Responding to speech with threats to physically block or confront political leaders weakens democratic politics and normalises intimidation and violence instead of debate and accountability.
