BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has termed the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election as a “tough test” that will determine whether Bangladesh remains under the leadership of liberal democrats or falls into the hands of anti-state extremists.
Speaking at a discussion meeting organised by the BNP at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Kakrail to mark the 90th birth anniversary of party founder Ziaur Rahman, Fakhrul emphasised that the nation must choose the path of liberal democracy and public welfare.
He asserted that the BNP is eager for the polls and is prepared to accept the people’s mandate, stating that the party is willing to serve in the opposition if rejected by the public.
State reforms BNP’s ‘brainchild’
Addressing the ongoing national discourse on state reforms, Fakhrul claimed these initiatives are the “brainchild” of the BNP.
He noted that the party provided a framework for reform during the anti-fascist movement, beginning with “Vision-2030” in 2016 and followed by a 31-point outline in 2022.
Fakhrul stated that while the BNP has agreed to reforms reached through political consensus, they have also accepted certain points they did not fully agree with for the “greater national interest,” with the intention of addressing them later in Parliament.
He alleged that there is currently an “orchestrated and planned campaign” against the BNP because it is the largest political party and is poised for victory if an election is held.
Vision for the people
Fakhrul highlighted the party’s 31-point state reform proposal and Chairman Tarique Rahman’s new eight-point plan, which includes initiatives such as “Family Cards” and “Farmer’s Cards.”
He urged party members to spread these visions among the public to ensure the victory of the “Sheaf of Paddy,” describing a win as the ultimate tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia.
Critique of Jamaat-e-Islami and Religious Rhetoric Fakhrul issued a strong critique of Jamaat-e-Islami, urging them to practice “straightforward politics” rather than misleading the public through the misuse of religion.
He specifically condemned rhetoric suggesting that voting for a certain symbol leads to heaven, questioning if such claims render basic tenets of faith like prayer and ‘Imaan’ unnecessary.
Recalling historical contexts, Fakhrul noted that Maulana Maududi had opposed the Pakistan movement during the independence struggle in India and that the group had opposed the Bangladesh Liberation War.
In contrast, he asserted that the BNP’s politics are rooted in faith, noting that Ziaur Rahman was the first to incorporate “Bismillah-ar-Rahman-ar-Rahim” and “absolute trust and faith in Allah” into the constitution.
Legacy of leadership
Reflecting on the party’s history, Fakhrul described Ziaur Rahman as a unique leader who gifted the nation an independent territory.
He also paid tribute to a female leader – a former housewife who stepped out to uphold Ziaur Rahman’s flag and free democracy – noting that the nation recently “lost” her presence, and that Tarique Rahman is now carrying that flag forward.
The discussion, presided over by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and moderated by Assistant Office Secretary Tariqul Islam Tenzing, featured speeches from BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Nazrul Islam Khan.
Other speakers included Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Advisory Council member Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, and Secretary for Volunteer Affairs Mir Sarafat Ali Sopu.
