BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that an attempt is underway to cripple the BNP politically. He alleged, “One party is running a smear campaign on YouTube and social media. No one should be misled by false propaganda. Efforts are being made from all sides to cripple the BNP.”
He made these remarks during his speech as the chief guest at a memorial meeting organised by the ASM Hannan Shah Smriti Sangsad in Gazipur on Saturday afternoon. The event reminisced about former member Standing Committee, ASM Hannan Shah, on his ninth death anniversary.
Mirza Fakhrul said, “All reforms are included in the 31-point programme provided by Tarique Rahman. One party is saying that the BNP does not believe in reform. The BNP is the party that gave birth to reforms. Ziaur Rahman broke the one-party rule and established democracy in the country.”
He further said, “One year ago, the terrible evil forces fled in the face of people’s resistance. During Hasina’s rule, we could not sleep in our homes; it was a horrific environment. Through her flight, we have regained our independence.”
Speaking about the formation of the interim government under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, Fakhrul said, “This government has been formed with a neutral board of advisors. Our demand was for a fair and impartial election. He is working towards that. At the same time, he is trying to restore the broken law and order system, revive the economy, and has stopped the looting of banks.’
He informed that after taking responsibility, the chief adviser has formed six reform commissions. Meetings of these commissions have been ongoing for seven months, and they are moving towards final decisions.
Speaking on the issue of media freedom, he said, “It was Ziaur Rahman who ensured media freedom in the country. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman kept four newspapers and shut down the rest.”
Mirza Fakhrul said, ‘We have only one demand; for 15 years we have been fighting for the victory of democracy. The people’s right to vote must be returned to the people. For this, we have not shied away from sacrifice. Begum Khaleda Zia was in jail for six years, and Tarique Rahman has been abroad for 18 years.’
Appealing to the chief adviser, he said, “You must remain one hundred percent neutral. You must ensure that no allegations of biased behavior are raised against any member of your advisory council. The people of the country want complete neutrality and a fair election.’
Regarding the upcoming election, the party’s Secretary General said, “People are happy about the announcement of the election date. Because, currently, the country without public representatives is being run by bureaucrats. If a government of the people is established through the election, the country will benefit.”
He said, “During Hasina’s time, false cases were filed against 60 lakh leaders and activists; 20 thousand people were killed, millions were tortured, and countless people, including Ilias Ali, were subjected to enforced disappearance.’
‘Now the election train is on track. All party leaders and activists must unite and take to the field in support of the paddy sheaf,’ added Mirza Fakhrul.
Criticizing India, he said, ‘India is not our friend. They are killing people at the border, not giving our fair share of water, and conspiring in elections. Friendship must be between equals.’
‘Those who opposed the country in 1971 must not be allowed to return to power,’ he said.
Remembering A S M Hannan Shah, Fakhrul said, ‘He was dedicated to the people and the party. He did politics based on the ideals of Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman. He steered the party during extremely difficult times, endured jail, and faced torture. He was a genuine patriot.’
The meeting was presided over by Gazipur District BNP President Fazlul Haque Milon. At that time, speeches were given by Hannan Shah’s son Shah Riazul Hannan, BNP’s Dhaka Divisional Organizing Secretary Kazi Sayedul Alam Babul, central leaders M A Qayyum, Humayun Kabir Khan, Rafiqul Islam Bachchu, Mayor Majibur Rahman, Omar Faruq Shafin, Chowdhury Ishraq Ahmed Siddiqui, Momtaz Uddin Renu, and others.
