United News of Bangladesh

Environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Tuesday said the election scheduled for February would lay a strong foundation for democracy by strengthening accountability to people. “The election would help solidify democracy and bring the government under public scrutiny. The journey toward building a discrimination-free and exploitation-free society, a dream yet to be fully realised, could begin from here,” she while talking to reporters after paying tributes to the martyrs at the National Memorial in Savar. Calling the upcoming polls more than just an election, Rizwana said it would also serve as a kind of referendum where people would be able to express their views on key reform issues. Based on that mandate, she said, the democratic journey could begin anew in a refreshed form. She termed attempts to suppress political opponents through violence, including assassination attempts, as unfortunate, condemnable and cowardly. “There is no heroism in such acts. If one has strength, one must face the people,” she said adding that in a democratic state, the path to the people is well known. The adviser said the culture of targeting opponents has no place in a New Bangladesh. She said the government would be considered successful only if it could deliver on its commitments to free and fair elections, justice and reforms. Rizwana Hasan said the government’s goal is to ensure a peaceful and fair election so that people can vote without fear. She said certain forces are active in trying to disrupt the process, stressing the need to counter them alongside building social resistance.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday the people of the then East Pakistan rose in revolt as the Pakistani ruling elite perpetrated injustice and created discriminations against them. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a youth marathon organised by Jamaat-e-Islami on the occasion of Victory Day at Suhrawardy Uddyan in the capital. The marathon began around 8 am from Suhrawardy Uddyan and concluded at Manik Mia Avenue near the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, passing through Shahbagh intersection and Science Lab. Participants carried national flags and banners with various slogans throughout the route. Shafiqur Rahman said the politics of the future Bangladesh would be guided by a new system by discarding the old political order. “The politics of the new system will be against terrorism, extortionists, murder, rape, false cases, corruption, injustice and all forms of oppression,” he said. He said the marathon would continue until a new Bangladesh built by youths is realised. “No matter how many obstacles or threats come, we will not stop. We will build a new Bangladesh as dreamt by the nation, Inshallah,” he added. Anti-independence forces trying to resurface on Victory Day: Fakhrul Referring to the upcoming election, the Jamaat chief said the people would not allow any kind of technical manipulation. “We do not seek any favour from the Election Commission but if the commission shows favour to anyone, it will not be tolerated,” he said. He said attempts to buy people with black money would fail as people are now much more aware than before. Shafiqur alleged that during the Awami League’s 15 years in power there was no area of the country where people were spared from oppression, which led the entire nation to rise against them during the July movement. He alleged that their current target is the country’s youth and revolutionaries and an attempt was made on the life of Osman Hadi, one of the key leaders of the July movement. “If anything happens to Osman Hadi, the revolutionaries will not remain silent,” he added. Victory Day: Nation honours Liberation War martyrs He said Awami League has wrongly assumed that eliminating one or two leaders would weaken the movement. “They cannot reduce the number of revolutionaries. Rather, the number of revolutionary youths will continue to grow,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the forces that opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 are once again trying to raise their heads. “Those who stood against Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 are now trying to raise their heads again. But the people of Bangladesh who believe in freedom, independence and democracy will foil all their conspiracies and will surely protect the country’s independence and sovereignty and establish democracy, Inshallah,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks after placing wreaths at the grave of BNP founder and martyred President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the morning, marking Victory Day. He said the Liberation War began with the declaration of independence by martyred President Ziaur Rahman and reached its final victory on December 16. “That is why this day is extremely important for us and for BNP.” Fakhrul said BNP leaders and activists visited the grave of the proclaimer of independence, paid their respects and took an oath to continue their struggle to protect independence and establish democracy in Bangladesh. He said that on the occasion of the Great Victory Day, on behalf of the party, its Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, they paid deep respect and gratitude to the martyrs of the Liberation War. He also they also paid tributes to BNP founder and martyred President Ziaur Rahman. At the same time, Fakhrul sought prayers for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as the first female freedom fighter and a tireless guardian of democracy who has fought relentlessly for independence and sovereignty. He said she is now seriously ill and urged the country’s people to pray to Almighty Allah for her recovery. Fakhrul said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is still living abroad in exile, but the party hopes he will return home on December 25. “We are working so that his return further strengthens the struggle for democracy,” he said. CA Prof Yunus pays tributes to Liberation War martyrs  Earlier in the morning, BNP leaders and activists, led by Mirza Abbas, paid tributes to the martyrs by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar. At around 9:55am, Fakhrul, along with members of the BNP Standing Committee, placed wreaths at Ziaur Rahman’s grave and later joined a special munajat seeking the salvation of the departed soul of the late president. BNP Standing Committee Members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed were present, Chairperson’s Advisory Council Members Amanullah Aman and Abdus Salam, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, Dhaka North City unit convener Aminul Haque, and Dhaka South City unit member secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, and leaders of central and associate bodies were present. Later, leaders and activists of BNP’s associate organisations, including Muktijoddha Dal, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, Krishak Dal, Matsyajibi Dal, Tanty Dal, DAB and Chhatra Dal, also placed wreaths at the grave. Since early morning, BNP leaders and activists gathered at the grave premises, chanting slogans such as “Zia, the proclaimer of independence, we salute you” and “We achieved independence, we will protect independence”.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said their party will ensure the security of the warriors of last year’s July–August mass uprising if it is elected in the upcoming national election. “Many of the July fighters of ’24 are concerned about what will happen to their security once the interim government leaves and a new government comes to power. I want to state this clearly that if we are elected through people’s votes, we will ensure the security for the July fighters,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader also said their party will not allow the July fighters to remain vulnerable or insecure. He said the upcoming national election will determine whether Bangladesh moves forward on a democratic and liberal path or goes backwards. Fakhrul also voiced concern that false propaganda and violence are being used to weaken BNP and tarnish its image. Referring to the recent attack on BNP activist Osman Hadi, he said the party strongly condemned the attack, held protest programmes across the country and demanded the immediate arrest of the attackers. “The attacker has been identified. It has been found that he is a killer and a terrorist linked to the Awami League. Yet they are asking why BNP should respond. Their only aim is to malign BNP with ill intentions,” Fakhrul said. BNP organised the discussion programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking Victory Day. At the beginning of the programme, a special prayer was offered for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Fakhrul said all major positive achievements of Bangladesh came under the leadership of martyred President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and BNP. “The contributions of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia and BNP are inseparably linked with Bangladesh’s development, democracy and achievements,” he said. Fakhrul said a new vision for the country is now emerging under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Fakhrul also recalled BNP’s sacrifices during the long 17-year struggle against fascism. He warned that a group is trying to undermine democracy, stressing that the upcoming national election is extremely important for the country. The BNP leader said the Pakistani forces and their collaborators carried out brutal repression and genocide against the people of this country, which the nation can never forget. “Tomorrow, December 16, marks the defeat of the Pakistani occupying forces, and we must firmly remember this truth. The war that began with the declaration of independence by martyred President Ziaur Rahman in 1971 ended in victory after nine months of bloody struggle. This victory is the victory of our existence, territory and national identity,” Fakhrul said. The BNP Secretary General said the political force that opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 had also opposed the creation of Pakistan in 1947. “Today, that same force wants to undermine Bangladesh’s independence, destroy democracy, and crush the hopes and aspirations of the people,” he said. The BNP leader said nationalist forces will remain united, upholding the flag of independence, sovereignty and democracy. Fakhrul prayed for the good health of Khaleda Zia, paid tributes to the martyrs, and called upon all to turn Victory Day into a commitment to restore democracy. He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh on December 25, carrying the national flag of independence, democracy and nationalism. BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas said the younger generation does not know enough about history. “It is true that martyred President Ziaur Rahman declared independence. But did he declare it and then go to sleep? He fought in the war,” Abbas said. He said while the offices of all other sector commanders during the Liberation War were located inside India, Ziaur Rahman’s command office was inside Bangladesh. “He (Zia) stayed inside the country, took up arms, lived in bunkers and fought on the battlefield. That is why we are proud soldiers of Ziaur Rahman,” Abbas said.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged people to stay united against all conspiracies, assuring that there is no reason to fear and that the national election will be held on schedule. Speaking at a discussion virtually, he said the gun attack on Sharif Osman bin Hadi, a potential independent candidate from the Dhaka-8 constituency, is part of a conspiracy to disrupt the election. “I would like to say clearly at this proud moment of Victory Day that those who try to frighten the freedom-loving, pro-democracy people will surely fail, InshAllah. There is no reason to be afraid,” Tarique said. Stating that victory and defeat, life and death are all determined by the Almighty Allah, he said if the nation moves forward together, united and trusting in Allah, to establish the rights of the people, the conspirators will be forced to retreat. He said history has repeatedly shown that when people remain united, no force can stop them from winning. “This was proven in 1971, in 2024, on November 7, 1975, and during the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s. I firmly say that the election will be held at the scheduled time, InshAllah,” he added. Expressing his wish to personally take part in election campaigning, Tarique said amid loud applause, “Ahead of the upcoming election, in villages and towns, ports and cities, wards and neighbourhoods, lanes and streets, and on the highways, I will also be with you in the people’s march to establish their rights, InshAllah.” ‘71 intellectual killings a planned blueprint to cripple nation: Fakhrul BNP has already announced that Tarique Rahman will return to Dhaka on December 25 after spending 18 years in exile in London. BNP organised the discussion programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking Victory Day. At the beginning of the programme, a special prayer was offered for the speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who is undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Tarique said the people of Bangladesh have long been witnessing that an anti-Bangladesh vested quarter has repeatedly tried to obstruct the election by adding condition after condition without reason, or by using various excuses. “Defying all kinds of hurdles, after more than one and a half decades, the Election Commission has finally announced the date of the much-desired national election of the people,” he said. Urging everyone to remain alert, the BNP leader said, “The conspiracy has not stopped yet. The shooting of Osman Hadi, a brave son on the side of democracy, is part of that conspiracy. What was Osman Hadi’s crime? As a political worker, some questions have arisen in my mind, and I believe the answers to these questions clearly expose the nature of the attackers.” Tarique Rahman to return on Dec 25 after 18 years in exile As a political worker, he said, the questions are: “First, who would be happy if the current interim government is made to fail? Second, who would benefit if the interim government continues without an election? Third, who would gain if a people’s government is not formed through the people’s vote? I believe the answers to these questions hide the attackers of Hadi. The enemies of independence and democracy are lurking within these answers.” Tarique said a fallen and fugitive fascist clique has long distorted the history of Bangladesh’s independence and the Liberation War to serve its narrow and partisan interests. He said attempts were made in the past to turn the history of independence into party history, and even now a defeated group is trying to create a new “history of victory”. In contrast, the BNP leader said this Victory Day should be marked not by revenge, but by a pledge to build a prosperous and democratic Bangladesh by ensuring that the benefits of victory reach every household. He said the message of victory must not remain limited to slogans alone. “To ensure that the fruits of victory reach every home, BNP and the Sheaf of Paddy are seeking the support and cooperation of the people in the upcoming national election.” Tarique said BNP believes that independence and democracy cannot be sustained without the political and economic empowerment of the people. “Whenever democracy has been threatened in the country’s history, independence and sovereignty have also been put at risk.” Noting that a country cannot become strong by keeping its people powerless, he said establishing a government elected directly by the people and accountable to them is BNP’s core objective. “That is why the party has always taken a firm stand in favour of free, fair and neutral elections.” Tarique Rahman said the upcoming national election is not just an election for ‘experience’ or ‘experiment’. Tarique terms attack on Hadi a conspiracy against democracy “This election is more complex and more important than any previous one,” he said, adding that it is linked to the dreams, hopes, interests and future of both present and future generations, as well as the sovereignty of Bangladesh. The BNP leader said the party has prepared its nation-building programme with the vision of making the next decade a decade of transformation. “Half of our population is women, more than 40 million are young people, and there are millions of farmers and workers. Using the strength of this working population to consolidate Bangladesh’s victory is BNP’s main goal. By building a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh, we want to make every future Victory Day more meaningful and more glorious,” he observed. Tarique reiterated that democracy and independence cannot be sustained unless people are politically and economically empowered. “Whenever democracy has been threatened in Bangladesh, the country’s sovereignty has also been endangered. This has been proven time and again.” The discussion was chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and moderated by Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku. BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed and Hafizuddin Ahmed, along with Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Abdus Salam, former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Anwarullah Chowdhury, Jubo Dal leader Nurul Islam Nayan and Swechchhasebak Dal leader Rajib Ahsan, among others, spoke at the programme.    

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday accused a section of political players of attempting to rehabilitate ‘fascist forces’ and push Bangladesh back to what he described as a ‘rotten past’, warning that the nation would not forgive them if they failed to reform. “They have already been identified. For years they remained disguised; now their true face has been exposed,” he said while addressing a discussion meeting organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dhaka Metropolitan South, at the Jatiya Press Club. The Jamaat chief urged the collaborators of fascists to repent, apologise and refrain from wrongdoing. “Otherwise, the nation will not forgive you.” Paying tributes to those who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 Liberation War and to victims of alleged repression during what he termed ‘15 and a half years of fascist rule’, Shafiqur Rahman said political parties, religious scholars, civil society members and journalists had all faced killings, enforced disappearances and persecution. Referring to the July 24 mass uprising, he said the actual number of martyrs remained unknown and was likely higher than available figures. He expressed deep concerns over the condition of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, who was critically injured in a shooting and has been taken to Singapore for treatment. “We pray that Allah restores him to us,” he said. The Jamaat chief also criticised a recent remark by the Chief Election Commissioner, saying it had hurt public sentiment. He urged the CEC to clarify his statement and prove his neutrality, noting that the nation had not received it positively. While acknowledging government steps regarding Hadi’s treatment, Shafiqur Rahman said such responses should not come only after lives are pushed to the brink. He urged the authorities to ensure public safety so that no one dares to show such audacity again. On calls for resignations from officeholders, he said stepping down was not the solution. “Prove your eligibility by fulfilling your responsibilities,” he said, warning that failure could invite renewed unrest—something he said Jamaat does not desire. Calling for a united, humane and corruption-free Bangladesh, he said the party seeks “unity, not division; love, not violence; transparency and accountability, not corruption; justice for all; and jobs in hand, not black money.” He said Jamaat would work with all forces committed to three principles: zero tolerance for corruption, an independent judiciary free from political interference, and sincere implementation of agreed reform proposals. “Those who agree on these will find our doors open,” he said. Stressing respect for both 1971 and 2024, he said denying anyone’s contribution would harm the nation’s future. “July 24 is not just history; it is part of our very being,” he said. Pointing at journalists, Shafiqur Rahman urged accurate and complete reporting, cautioning against selective quotations that could mislead the public. He reaffirmed Jamaat’s support for free, responsible media, including fair criticism, provided it is grounded in truth and national interest. Central Executive Council member and Dhaka South Ameer Mohammad Nurul Islam Bulbul presided over the programme.  

BNP has formed a new partial convening committee for its UK chapter, as the president and general secretary of the previous committee are set to contest the upcoming national election. The committee was announced in a press release on Monday, signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The party said a full committee will be announced soon. According to the media release, Abul Kalam Azad has been appointed convener of the new committee, while Khosruzzaman Khosru made member secretary. The previous UK BNP committee was led by MA Malek as president and Koysor M Ahmed as general secretary. Following the student-led mass uprising on August 5, both leaders returned to Bangladesh and became active in BNP politics. MA Malek has received a BNP nomination from the Sylhet-3 constituency, while Koysor M Ahmed has been nominated from Sunamganj-3.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said his party will prioritise ensuring law and order and tackling corruption if voted to power. “Those who will form the government after winning the election must first ensure one thing, and that is the rule of law. In simple terms, it means people’s security or law and order. I think our foremost effort should be to ensure this with all our strength,” he said. Tarique made the remarks while virtually addressing a discussion programme titled 'Upcoming Election and People’s Expectation', organised by BNP as part of its initiative to exchange views with professionals and noted citizens. The programme was held at a city hotel, with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presiding. The BNP leader said that if the next government can ensure the rule of law and maintain the law and order, there will be a strong possibility that many problems will start to ease, and then it will be possible to move forward with other necessary work. Referring to the long period of what he described as autocratic rule in the past, Tarique said unhealthy practices had developed in different sectors of society, including administration, business and other areas, where people received benefits and privileges they did not deserve. “This has almost become a habit over time. So this situation and this mindset must be changed. In simple words, corruption must be firmly brought under control. We have to pull the reins on corruption,” he said. The BNP leader said corruption will have to be controlled in all sectors, including development activities and public procurement. He said there is no reason to knowingly waste public money when other options are available, especially if those options could deliver services to people more quickly. As an example, Tarique said that if faster health services can be ensured through an alternative approach, it should be seriously considered and efforts should be made to implement it, as that is their objective. Presenting his party’s various plans for the country’s development and people’s welfare, he acknowledged that the issues discussed are not easy to address and required courage and responsibility. “The right decision is not always the popular decision. Popular decisions can be taken easily, but the correct decision is not always popular,” the BNP leader said, adding that this is why decision-making is often very difficult. He stressed that despite these challenges, taking correct and responsible decisions will be essential to meet people’s expectations and build a stable, secure and accountable state. The BNP leader sought full cooperation from professionals to secure a strong public mandate in the upcoming national parliamentary election. “We need public support to implement the plans we have prepared. To do this, the next government must stand on a strong mandate,” Tarique said. If f the mandate is weak, he said it may not be possible to carry out many important tasks. “To get a strong mandate, public support is essential, and you can support us from your respective positions.” Addressing the professionals, Tarique said their shared goal should be to begin building the Bangladesh people aspire to through the next government. “This work has no end. There will always be scope for improvement. But we must make a good start,” he said. Tarique also outlined BNP’s plans for building future Bangladesh, particularly in areas such as education, unemployment, family cards, farmers’ cards and health cards. University teachers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, journalists, human rights activists, cultural workers and people from various professions attended the programme. Professor Borhanuddin Khan presented the keynote paper at the discussion.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday described the 1971 killing of intellectuals as a premeditated conspiracy and a calculated blueprint by anti-liberation forces aimed at depriving the nation of its intellectuals. “The day of Shaheed Intellectuals is extremely painful for us. Just two days before Victory Day on December 16, there was a well-planned conspiracy, following a clear blueprint, to leave the nation intellectually empty,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a discussion organised by the party to mark Shaheed Intellectuals Day at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. Fakhrul said those who collaborated with the Pakistani occupation forces went door to door, including university quarters, and abducted teachers and intellectuals. “Sadly, those who did this were Bengali sons. Today we clearly know who they were. History proves that the political forces which opposed Bangladesh’s independence were behind the abduction and killing of our brightest sons. There is no room to take this matter lightly,” he observed. He also said such conspiracies have been repeated again and again in Bangladesh to prevent the nation from rising through knowledge, education and intellect. Fakhrul alleged that similar conspiracies occurred in different forms during the last 15–16 years of Awami League rule. “Our education system has weakened, our health system has collapsed, and our economy has been ruined. We have repeatedly seen conspiracies against our nation.” Referring to the recent attack on Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman bin Hadi, Fakhrul said the attempt on his life came immediately after the election schedule was announced. “They tried to kill Hadi — a brave soldier who stood against fascism. They want to create the same fear that the Awami League used for the last 15 years,” he said. The BNP leader said the Awami League tried to rule the country by creating fear and intimidation, and is now attempting to use the same fear to silence those fighting for democracy. “But history shows that BNP never bows to fear. We will not bow,” Fakhrul said. He vowed that BNP will fulfill the dream of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and party founder, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, to build a truly democratic and prosperous Bangladesh. “I only want to say this — conspiracies will continue from all sides. But BNP will stand firm with its head held high, and InshAllah, we believe we will win,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said BNP is a liberal democratic party that believes in democracy and wants to establish it, adding that despite years of repression, BNP could not be defeated. He said no matter how many conspiracies or plots are carried out, the people of Bangladesh have the courage to break and defeat them and move forward, and that the BNP has played the leading role in this struggle. Fakhrul said BNP had fought for the last 15–16 years, during which false cases were filed against around 6 million party leaders and activists, about 20,000 were killed, and some 1,700, including Ilias Ali, were forcibly disappeared. “Yet they could not defeat us or suppress us. That is why new hope has emerged today.” Speaking at the programme, BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas said the shooting of Hadi was carried out by an identified party. “This party will never allow Bangladesh to remain peaceful.” He warned that BNP will resist the violence and the plot of target killings. “Do not think that we are silent or that we will remain silent. That does not mean that if we are attacked, we will simply salute and walk away. There is no scope to think like that.” The discussion was chaired by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and moderated by BNP Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku.  BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu, Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Abdus Salam, and Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna, among others, spoke at the programme.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said the upcoming national election will be a contest between a pro-Bangladesh force and a backward force that uses religion to mislead people. “This election will be a contest between two forces. One force stands for Bangladesh. This force stands for liberal democracy and the true establishment of democracy,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said the other force is backward and has always tried to confuse people in the name of religion. Fakhrul said those who took part in the Liberation War to create an independent homeland can never forget 1971. “Because of 1971, we are alive today and living on this land.” He raised the question of choice before the nation — whether to stand with the force of independence or with those who tried to destroy it. Expressing optimism, the BNP leader said he believes people will make the right decision in the election. “That decision is to choose the sheaf of paddy symbol. That is why Shaheed Intellectuals Day is very important this year,” he observed. The Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal and Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Projonmo organised the discussion meeting titled ‘National Parliamentary Election Is Essential to Protect Democracy at a Critical Time for the Nation’ at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh. Fakhrul said the country is now facing deep polarisation. “The people of Bangladesh must decide what they will choose — independence, sovereignty and democracy, or the backward forces that opposed our independence in the past and tried to block our progress.” He said these questions are being raised because that force has once again resurfaced and is misleading people in the name of religion, just as it did in 1971. The BNP leader also said the same force opposed the struggle of the Muslims of this region in 1947, when they fought for self-determination. “I want to say this clearly — the same force opposed the Pakistan Movement in 1947 and opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971,” he said. Fakhrul said that force has now changed its appearance and is trying to show that it can build a “new Bangladesh”. “But the people of Bangladesh cannot trust them.” “Those who denied our birth and our independence cannot be trusted by those of us who fought in the Liberation War,” he observed. The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh have always fought for their rights and existence, from the Mughal period to the struggles of leaders like the Bara Bhuiyans and Titu Mir. “A nation with such a history can never bow its head or be defeated,” Fakhrul said. Recalling December 14, 1971, Fakhrul said the Pakistani army killed the nation’s brightest intellectuals. He said the occupation forces abducted and killed philosophers like Govinda Chandra Dev, writers like Shahidullah Kaiser, doctors like Abdul Alim, journalists and writers like Selina Parvin, and many others. The BNP leader said these were planned killings, and there is no reason to forgive such crimes. He said the nation recently fought again to free democracy and drove out fascist forces through a student-led mass uprising. “But that does not mean we will allow another fascist force to take over. Any force that wants to push Bangladesh backwards must not be allowed to rise again,” Fakhrul said. He alleged that defeated fascist forces are now trying to create instability in the country. “The defeated fascists could not accept their defeat and fled the country. From there, they are continuing to conspire. They have learnt nothing, even after facing such consequences,” Fakhrul said. Referring to recent gun attacks on Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman bin Hadi in Dhaka and BNP leader Ershad Ullah in Chattogram, Fakhrul said such acts are carried out to destabilise the country. “But we know the people of Bangladesh will never allow these conspiracies to succeed,” he said.