People don't understand reforms, they want to vote, says BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul

He speaks at a public rally at Sakowa High School playground in Panchagarh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said if his party comes back to power, it will restore the right to vote for ordinary people who have been unable to exercise their constitutional right for the past decade and a half.

"We also want reforms. In 2016, Begum Khaleda Zia gave the party’s Vision 2030. Then Tarique Rahman issued the party’s 31-point outline. This 31-point means the reforms,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a public rally organised at Sakowa High School ground in Panchagarh’s Boda Upazila on Sunday.

"People don't understand reforms. They want to be able to vote. They want peace, lower prices of goods, and prevention of crimes in the country.”

Commenting that no one could vote for 15 years this time, the BNP secretary general said: "We want to bring back the voting rights. If we come to power, we will ensure people's right to vote.”

“If we can vote, we can elect the right person and that person will go to parliament and work for us."

Fakhrul said the people of the country fought against a fascist government for about 15 years.

He said, "We have gone to jail several times. You went to jail and escaped. I couldn't stay at home. They created a reign of fear, terror, and panic all over Bangladesh. Three elections were held. They thought they would never lose power.”

"But within a few months, she [former premier Sheikh Hasina] had to run away with the entire family. She always said I wouldn't run away. I'm not afraid. She is the one who has now fled leaving countless Awami League faithfuls across the country in danger. This is the result of fascism."

The rally was organised by Boda and Debiganj Upazila and the municipal unit of BNP in the district.