In a media press release on Monday, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), accused the government of resorting to "state and party terrorism" to suppress a burgeoning student movement, which has reportedly led to the deaths of hundreds of students and civilians. 

The statement comes amid ongoing unrest and mounting allegations of human rights abuses by law enforcement.

Alamgir’s remarks highlight the severe backlash the government is facing in response to its handling of the quota reform movement, a student-led protest demanding changes in government job quotas. 

According to Alamgir, the government’s actions have included brutal crackdowns that resulted in numerous casualties and widespread fear.

“The government should resign immediately to respect the demands of the people,” Alamgir declared in the press release. “The suppression of the movement has not only led to the brutal killing of innocent civilians and students but also shows a blatant disregard for human rights.”

Alamgir criticized the government for its control over media and internet services, which he claims has obscured the full extent of the crackdown. He alleged that detained students, activists, and opposition party members are subjected to inhumane conditions and torture, with many being denied timely court appearances. 

"There is a clear pattern of abuse, with detainees being held beyond the legally mandated 24 hours before being brought to court," he said.

Further allegations included claims that the government has attempted to undermine the credibility of the movement by intimidating the families of victims and tampering with autopsy reports. 

Alamgir noted that many bodies have been buried without proper forensic examination, and some deaths, like that of Rangpur’s Abu Saeed, have been misrepresented.

The BNP Secretary General’s statements come at a time of heightened tension between the government and opposition. He accused the administration of targeting opposition leaders while neglecting to address the true perpetrators of violence. 

"The government cannot hide the truth from the public through lies and repression," Alamgir asserted.

In response to these allegations, government officials have yet to provide a detailed counterstatement. 

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing protests and demonstrations expected to continue as both sides navigate this fraught period in Bangladeshi politics.

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