Mirza Fakhrul says 21st February ‘finally free’ from political suppression

The BNP leader hopes the “new Ekushey” will inspire the government to ensure public welfare and cultural enrichment

Local Government, Rural Development and Co‑operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has remarked that the spirit of the 21st February has been "liberated" this year after being "shackled" under years of fascist rule.

The minister, also the BNP secretary general, made the statement at the Central Shaheed Minar in the early hours of Saturday, shortly before paying floral tributes to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement.

"Ekushey is free this time," Fakhrul said.

Reflecting on the political transition, he noted that a new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken office following a landslide election victory.

"Public expectation has soared alongside our own," he added.

Fakhrul emphasised that the newly elected government aims to build a society based on justice, fulfilling the long-held aspirations of the public.

"The core spirit of Ekushey was to establish a state and society free from discrimination. We will move forward based on that very principle," the minister said.

He expressed hope that the “new Ekushey” would inspire the government to ensure public welfare, cultural enrichment, and national sovereignty.