Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday strongly condemned and protested the disrespectful behavior of the cohorts of Awami fascist force with Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul abroad.
"Yesterday, Dr Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, faced targeted physical harassment from the Awami League activists at Geneva airport," he said in a post in his verified Facebook page.
This disrespectful behaviour on foreign soil has not only caused a stir, but also seen as an affront to both national dignity and the stature of public office, he added.
"Sheikh Hasina's international conspiracies continue to complicate the political landscape in Bangladesh. Her supporters abroad are allegedly engaged in organised efforts to undermine democratic voices and stoke tension within the country," he said.
Tarique Rahman said Awami League activists overseas have a historic record of assaulting Bangladeshi advocates and activities of democracy and human rights, perhaps as an extension of their autocratic rule and atrocities over the last 16 years, including human rights violations, erosion of freedom of expression and rule of law, and misappropriation of public resources.
For many, the growing influence of these overseas Awami League affiliates are a cause for concern, he said.
"I condemn this disrespect and incivility against Dr Asif Nazrul as emblematic of the Awami League's conspiracy to complicate our democratic transition and assault democratic norms. Scare tactics and threats from them will not be tolerated by the public in silence any longer," he said.
The BNP acting chairman said pro-democracy advocates across the world are calling for foreign authorities to investigate their crimes and atrocities.
In Bangladesh, public sentiment is gearing towards turning away from the individuals who have mistreated our country and its people, fuelling widespread appeal for stronger protection of democratic rights and the rule of law, he added.