BNP Secretary General and party-nominated candidate for Thakurgaon-1 Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said the nation would not forget either 2024 or 1971, recalling the Liberation War and the struggle for an independent, democratic and non-communal Bangladesh.
Speaking at an election campaign at the Farabari School ground in the Thakurgaon sadar area at noon, Mirza Fakhrul said Jamaat-e-Islami was speaking loudly now despite having collaborated with the Pakistani occupation forces in 1971.
“We were forced to flee then. We fought a war to achieve independence and to build a democratic and secular Bangladesh. We will not forget ’24, and we will not forget ’71,” he said.
He said the current administration was a neutral government and that the people would form the next government through votes.
He said, “This government is a neutral administration. Those who are elected through the vote will form the government. This time, the election will be fair. Voters will cast their ballots for whomever they choose.”
Referring to development initiatives, Mirza Fakhrul said “We have developed major roads, colleges and madrasas in the district, promoted maize cultivation, and implemented Barendra tube wells.”
Mirza Fakhrul said, “I want to establish harmony between Hindus and Muslims.”
Addressing members of the Hindu community, Mirza Fakhrul said fear should not prevail. “You are citizens of this country, and so am I. No one will be allowed to harm you. Ensuring your safety is the responsibility of the state and of all of us. This is your land and your country,” he said.
Fakhrul further said “I plan to arrange training for young people and send them abroad so they can become self-reliant and earn a living. In the southern region, almost every household has someone living abroad. When they go overseas, it will contribute to local development.”
He said the party wanted to expand information technology training and develop agriculture-based industries. “Before prioritising an airport, we must increase income,” he said.
He added that plans included establishing a university, a medical college and an engineering college, noting that unity among people was essential to achieve these goals.
Mirza Fakhrul described himself as an old and tested figure in politics and said the upcoming election would be his last.
He urged voters to support him with the sheaf of paddy symbol and give him the opportunity to work.
“Your vote is a trust. I will not betray it,” he said, adding that he had practised politics with honesty and would continue to do so in the future.
