On the occasion of the UN-declared International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman strongly criticized the Awami League regime, stating, “Under Awami fascism, Bangladesh became a repressive state. All forms of civil liberties, including freedom of expression, were taken away. Press freedom was shackled by draconian laws.” He further highlighted the global crisis of state-sponsored oppression and called for an end to mob justice. “Only a democratic society can guarantee people’s fundamental rights,” he said.