BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday reaffirmed his party’s commitment to democracy, saying the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) does not believe in a one-party system and has consistently fought for democratic governance over the past five decades.
Speaking to reporters after paying respects at the graves of martyrs of the July movement at Uttar Islampur graveyard in Munshiganj, Fakhrul dismissed allegations that the BNP seeks to establish one-party rule.
Responding to recent remarks by the Jamaat-e-Islami chief, he said, “It would be better to ask him about his comments. BNP does not believe in one-party rule. We are the party that has struggled for democracy for the last 50 years.”
Fakhrul said former president Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy in Bangladesh, while former prime minister Khaleda Zia restored the parliamentary democratic system.
He also highlighted that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman spent years in exile due to his involvement in the movement for democracy.
“BNP’s commitment to democracy is well established and beyond question,” he added.
The BNP leader also criticised Jamaat-e-Islami, describing it as a controlled political party that does not subscribe to democratic values.
On the prime minister’s upcoming visit to Malaysia, Fakhrul said strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries would be a major agenda item.
He noted that discussions are also expected to focus on reopening Malaysia’s labour market to Bangladeshi workers.
Expressing optimism about the visit, he said it could pave the way for new areas of cooperation while safeguarding the mutual interests and dignity of both nations.
Earlier in the day, Fakhrul inaugurated the foundation stones of two development projects in Munshiganj, a two-storey market building at Bhoberchar Bazar in Gazaria Upazila and a two-kilometre road development project connecting Kalitala and Hoglakandi.
Later, he inspected the wooden bridge at Mollarchar and attended a meeting on infrastructure development at the Circuit House auditorium in Munshiganj town.
The discussion focused on ongoing development projects, transportation networks and infrastructure expansion across the district.
The programme was attended by local lawmakers, government officials and political leaders.
Financial assistance was distributed among participants of the July movement at the beginning of the event.
