DHAKA: Bangladesh’s jailed main opposition leader was denied bail on Wednesday after being accused of instigating vandalism during anti-government protests ahead of general elections in January.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, 75, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary-general, has led the party since BNP chairwoman and two-time former premier Khaleda Zia was arrested and jailed, and her son went into exile in Britain.

Alamgir was arrested last month after police broke up a large opposition rally in the capital Dhaka on Oct 28 after the killing of an officer, with the BNP saying 13 people were killed in the crackdown. His party said the denial of bail was politically motivated and accused the court of acting as a political tool for the prime minister. But prosecutor Abdullah Abu said the vandalism was carried out with the “direct instruction” of Alamgir.

“Such vandalism would not have happened if there were no instructions,” Abu said. “Therefore, the court has dismissed the bail petition.” Bangladesh goes to a general election on January 7, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina eyeing her fourth consecutive term in power, despite concerns voiced by the United States and other countries over whether the vote will be free and fair.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2023