BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has questioned the validity of any discussion surrounding the party symbol, sheaf of paddy, which some political groups have criticised recently.
He pointed out, “We have never stopped anyone from choosing their own symbol. The Election Commission is the one that decides which symbol will be allotted. So, why all this fuss about the paddy sheaf? The reason is simple – the paddy sheaf is unstoppable.
“It cannot be defeated because it has the support of the people, from the villages to the cities.”
Fakhrul made these remarks on Friday during a discussion organised by the Shaheed Jehad Smriti Parishad at the Engineers’ Institution in Ramna, marking the 35th anniversary of Shaheed Jehad’s martyrdom.
He continued, “There is only one slogan today – the paddy sheaf is unstoppable! This is why efforts are being made to block it. They know that if the paddy sheaf stands, their conspiracies will fail, and they will have to face defeat.”
In his keynote address, Fakhrul further said, “There are efforts being made to bring the bureaucracy under the control of a particular political party. The BNP will not tolerate this under any circumstances.
“We want to make it clear that the bureaucracy during elections must be completely impartial, and the government must remain neutral as well. The Election Commission must also maintain absolute neutrality.”
Fakhrul stressed that, should the government fail to uphold neutrality, the BNP would not accept such an election outcome, and neither would the people of Bangladesh.
‘Polls must take place in February’
The BNP leader further reaffirmed the party’s stance on the election timeline, stating, “We want to be clear that the election must take place in February, as decided through discussion between our leader Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus back in June.
“If it does not happen in February, there will be no election.”
Jehad Day Observed
Friday’s event served as a reminder of the historical significance of 10 October, which marks the death anniversary of student leader Nazim Uddin Jehad, who was killed by police gunfire during the anti-autocracy movement of 1990.
Since that day, the BNP has observed it as Jehad Day, honoring the sacrifices made during the movement that eventually led to the fall of military dictator HM Ershad’s regime.
On the morning of 10 October, BNP leaders, including Amanullah Aman, paid floral tributes at the Jehad Memorial in Rajuk Avenue, paying homage to Jehad’s legacy.
Political reforms
Fakhrul also addressed ongoing discussions around political reforms, rejecting the idea of linking the BNP to any false propaganda surrounding these reforms.
“We have introduced reforms, and we will continue to do so. It is a process that will persist. Spreading baseless rumors about the BNP will yield no benefit,” he stated.
Drawing a parallel with former president Ziaur Rahman, Fakhrul said, “Ziaur Rahman visited door to door, and inspired the people to fight for their rights.
“Today, even though our leader Tarique Rahman is far away, he continues to inspire us from 8,000 miles away, sending messages to every household – wake up, people of Bangladesh, fight for your rights.”
Fakhrul condemned the rumors that have been circulating, describing them as obstacles to the party’s ongoing reform efforts. “We are on the path to securing our rights, and these false narratives will not deter us. We will continue with our reforms.”
Fakhrul concluded by reflecting on the decades-long struggle led by the BNP, acknowledging the sacrifices made during the 15-year-long battle for democracy.
“We have laid the groundwork for democracy through our struggle. If anyone asks, we will answer loud and clear – we brought democracy, and we will protect it,” he said.
The discussion was chaired by BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Amanullah Aman and moderated by Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon. Other speakers included senior student leaders from the 1990s movement, such as Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Asadur Rahman Ripon, Habibur Rahman Habib, and many others.
