BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday has alleged that key aides of the ruling party, popularly dubbed the “gang of four”, advised ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on a range of violent acts, and accused them of promoting a culture of killings and intimidation.

Rizvi made the remarks after visiting and extending support to Dolon, a former Jubo Dal leader who was seriously injured in an attack in Rupganj.

Speaking to reporters, he named Obaidul Quader, Anisul Hoque, Salman F Rahman and Asaduzzaman Kamal as the four who, he said, offered counsel for violent acts. He also claimed that Sheikh Hasina’s security adviser, Tarek Siddiqui, had urged the use of killings to suppress movements.

Referring to leaked phone recordings purportedly showing conversations between Mayor Taposh and the “Gang of Four,” Rizvi said the tapes reveal directives for murder, robbery and other violent impulses. He accused the government of overseeing what he described as a “bloodthirsty” leadership and alleged that between 1,400 and 1,500 activists — including students, rickshaw-pullers and workers — were killed during the recent movement. He added that some 450 BNP activists have been murdered, including 142 from the student wing.

Rizvi condemned the attack on Dolon as a politically motivated assault on an “innocent, dedicated BNP worker” from a respectable family. He alleged the assailants now roam freely under protection and demanded their immediate arrest, warning that local administration would be held responsible if further incidents occur. He urged party members to report any local officials or party figures who shield attackers, saying disciplinary action would follow even if accused were influential party members.

During the visit, Rizvi checked on Dolon’s condition and handed over financial assistance. He was accompanied by BNP family convenor Atikur Rahman Ruman, member-secretary Momin Mithun, district Jubo Dal officials and other local leaders.