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DHAKA, Dec 27, 2025 (BSS) – Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called for the immediate release of Shahidul Islam, arrested for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

A K M Shahidul Islam was arrested today under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure while Tarique Rahman was visiting the graves of Shaheed Osman Hadi and national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. 

He was subsequently produced before a court, which sent him to jail.

In response, the BNP demanded release of arrested Shahidul Islam, said a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

“BNP believes that every individual in a democratic country has the right to express their opinion,” the statement said.

"Freedom of expression is a fundamental human and civic right that allows individuals to voice their thoughts, opinions, and beliefs without fear", it read.

The party added, “The arrest and imprisonment of A K M Shahidul Islam for expressing his opinion is not appropriate. We, therefore, request his immediate and unconditional release to uphold the democratic rights of the people.”