BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said public perception is the driving force of politics, urging leaders and activists to focus on how ordinary people view the country’s direction after a year of struggle.
“There’s a phrase in English—perception, public perception. That is the main driver of politics,” he said while addressing a programme organised by Jubo Dal at Shahbagh.
“Ask the rickshaw-puller, the fruit seller, the vegetable vendor—has anything changed for them? Did we fight only to paint murals, write poems, or publish books? If we want real change, we must ask them what they want,” he added.
Fakhrul expressed frustration over recent developments, referring to reports that five coordinators of the July uprising were arrested for allegedly extorting Tk 50 lakh from the home of a former MP.
“This is heartbreaking. Is this what we fought for? Did the people of Bangladesh want this?” he asked. “If such incidents can take place within a year, what does that say about our future?”
He said hundreds of BNP leaders and activists from its affiliated wings—including Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and Sramik Dal—had been arrested, tortured, and killed during the previous Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government.
“In July alone, 79 Jubo Dal activists were martyred. Chhatra Dal reported 142. Over 300 activists lost their eyesight. More than 2,000 were killed or maimed,” he said.
“Our activists were taken to the detective branch office, where their fingernails were pulled out, teeth broken, limbs crushed,” he alleged.
Fakhrul also criticised sections of the media for bias, saying opposition leaders continue to face unfair treatment.
Calling on journalists to remain honest and uphold professional integrity, he said, “You stood by the people’s struggle before. I urge you again—speak the truth. Call a spade a spade.”
He concluded by calling on the youth to carry forward the movement’s achievements.
“The youth who brought change through protest must now lead the task of nation-building—on the basis of justice, humanity, and democracy,” he said. “Let the people say: these are good people, this is a good party.”