Published : 10 Jan 2025, 01:49 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 12:27 PM
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has renewed the call for swift general elections, asserting that meaningful reforms can only be validated by a democratically elected government.
Speaking at a publication event on Thursday, Fakhrul said: “We must not engage in the politics of division. What the country needs right now is collective action to save the nation and restore democracy.”
Addressing the interim government, he stressed the necessity of creating a framework for reforms, but cautioned that their legitimacy rests on the foundation of an elected government.
“Without this [elected government], we will never be able to lend legitimacy to the reforms. Only fascists can do that,” observed Fakhrul.
He added, “To all freedom-loving people, I urge you to stand together and resist division. I request political leaders and activists, wherever they may be, to avoid creating rifts.”
“Some have become so desperate that they are willing to divide the country and its people, spreading provocative ideas. Please do not engage with them.”
The publication ceremony took place at the BNP chairperson’s office in Dhaka, where a discussion was held to mark the release of the book Rajbandir Jabanbandi. The book documents the statement given by Khaleda Zia in court during the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption trial.
He also acknowledged the contributions of lawyer Abdur Rezzak Khan, journalist Shafik Rehman, and BNP chairperson’s former press secretary Maruf Kamal Khan in documenting Khaleda’s statements in a book.
While responding to a question about Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, the BNP secretary general said: “Our leader Tarique Rahman will be completely free from all cases in a few days. He will also be present among us, God willing.”
“The sacrifices that we have made, of our people, our youth, our volunteers, our students, our women, will not go in vain; it has not gone in vain. At least we have been able to eliminate fascism; we have been able to drive them away.”
He said, “Since Sheikh Hasina fled, we don’t know why we have not been able to restore trust among ourselves, or remain in a place of unity. Look for yourself, what a sick competition has begun to stay in power.”
“You will be able to remain in power only when you have settled in. That is why we are repeatedly calling for reforms; We are the ones who have started this reform. We were the first to speak of the reforms. It was Ziaur Rahman who brought multi-party democracy from a one-party regime by carrying out the first reform.”
“The philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism is the essence of the reforms and the 19-point programme, which was the major programme for reforms. We have to bring these forward.”
Speaking of Khaleda’s treatment, Fakhrul shared that the former prime minister has travelled to London for medical care with state honours.
"Millions of people bid her farewell along the way, and she faced no obstacles getting the respect overseas. Wherever we sought assistance, including visa requests, they were granted promptly," he said.
Fakhrul also expressed gratitude to the Emir of Qatar, acknowledging the special air ambulance sent as a gesture of respect for Khaleda.
"I thank the British government for facilitating her trip to London, and I am grateful to all those involved, including our chairman Tarique Rahman, for ensuring she could start her treatment without delay."
