Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused a certain group of attempting in a “planned way” to erase the memory of 1971, saying the BNP will resist all conspiracies surrounding the upcoming national election and re-establish democracy.
He made the remarks on Saturday at a discussion organised by the BNP Freedom Fighters’ Wing at the National Press Club.
“A certain group is trying in a very planned way to make people forget 1971,” he said. “Even if they try to do so deliberately, they will not succeed. Because 1971 is our birthplace. The anti-Liberation forces are engaged in conspiracies. They once called the Liberation War ‘a mess,’ but the nation has not forgotten it.”
He said if the election had been held within three months of the July uprising, the evil forces would not have dared to rise again. “There is no scope for a referendum before the national election,” he added.
Referring to the party’s 31-point reform agenda, Mirza Fakhrul said all issues of reform have been clearly stated there. “We are in favour of reforms. Whether the election will be held under the proportional representation system will be decided by the next parliament. People are being misled by saying there will be no election otherwise. Still, the BNP will resist all conspiracies and establish democracy,” he said.
Commenting on ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, he said, “Sheikh Hasina is giving interviews to various media while staying in India. The Indian government should be requested to bring her back because she must face trial.”
BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal said the BNP is now like the bark of an arjun tree—everyone takes a piece whenever they need it. He said the country has fallen into the hands of hypocrites and urged party members to remain patient and wait for the right time.
Alal also said many top Jamaat leaders were once associated with Jasad and the Gola Kata Party. “Since 5 August , many Shibir members have come out from within the Chhatra League. Jamaat is now changing its appearance and holding rallies with the Hindu community to damage the BNP’s image,” he added.
The discussion was presided over by BNP Freedom Fighters’ Wing President Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat.
