United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said though progress has been achieved regarding the constitutional amendment issue in the reform dialogue, there is still disagreement over the formation of the Upper House of a prospective bicameral parliament. “Most political parties are in principle supporting the formation of a bicameral parliament. But, disagreements remain regarding the formation process, powers and functions of the upper house,” he said at a press briefing after the 14th day of the second-round of reform talks between the National Consensus Commission and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. In line with BNP’s 31-point reform agenda, Salahuddin said his party proposed formation of a 100-seat upper house with representatives from diverse sectors -- such as academics, political scientists, social scientists, and marginalised communities. The members of the upper house should be nominated or selected through a specific mechanism, possibly following the PR system that is now used for women reserved seats in parliament. Clarifying BNP’s position over the PR system, he said his party opposes the Proportional Representation (PR) system for forming the upper house.  “We are not in favor of the PR system (by votes). It could invite scope for some parties to exercise extra influence, disrupting the balance in the upper house,” he said. Reached a consensus on decentralisation of subordinate courts: Salahuddin He emphasised that the upper house should not simply mirror the lower house. “Its role and authority must be distinct to ensure its effectiveness. We don't want the upper house to be just a replica of the lower house. Its functions and objectives must be different," said the BNP leader. On the issue of constitutional amendments, Salahuddin said BNP has proposed that a referendum be made mandatory for any amendment to key constitutional provisions—such as the Preamble and Articles-8, 48, 56 and 142 as well as the caretaker government-related articles (58(b), 58(c) and 58(d). “This proposal has been accepted by almost all. Our goal is to prevent arbitrary interference with the caretaker government system in the future. The parliament has the authority to enact laws alongside the court verdict (regarding caretaker government issue). This system can be reintroduced into the constitution based on public demand,” he said. About the woman seats, Salahuddin said the reserved seat issue could not be discussed on Tuesday due to time constraints, but he hoped that it would be taken up in the next discussion.

BNP senior leader Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Tuesday alleged that a conspiracy is underway to delay the national election by deteriorating the law and order situation in a planned way. “There is a clear conspiracy… if the law and order situation can be worsened, it is likely to benefit certain quarters,” he said. The BNP leader made the remark while talking to journalists in front of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh after visiting the venue ahead of the professionals’ planned programme there on July 21, marking the first anniversary of the July mass uprising. He, however, expressed the hope that the election would be held in time foiling all evil efforts. Dr Zahid, a member of BNP’s standing committee, said, “The way the Chief Adviser and the Election Commission are moving forward, we hope that they will fulfill their commitments to hold the election by mid-February.” Referring to the recent brutal murder of a scrap trader in the old part of the capital, he said BNP does not support or condone any kind of wrongdoing or injustice. The BNP leader said their party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, in a press conference on Monday, clearly said that crime is crime, and the party does not justify any wrongdoing. Fakhrul alleges political plot to derail election using Mitford murder He said it is not right to politicise a crime or try to highlight or downplay it in order to blame any party. The BNP leader said unfair activities and injustice must always be treated negatively. “No conscious person belonging to any political party can ever support injustice and wrongdoing. I personally don’t believe that.” Dr Zahid also criticised those who made indecent remarks against BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. “We are followers of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the people of Bangladesh are yearning for democracy. We don’t want to be part of any conspiracy,” he said. He urged political leaders and workers to remain patient, speak the truth clearly, and refrain from using double standards. Dr Zahid said BNP never supports or encourages injustice and wrongdoing, and always demands justice. “BNP does not support mob violence.” When asked to respond to comments from a Jamaat-e-Islami leader who claimed people have showed BNP a ‘red card’ after the Mitford incident, he said, “I won’t directly respond to them. I believe those who make such comments often do so out of ignorance. I question their political understanding and experience. People will decide who gets the ‘red card’ or the ‘green card’.” BNP forms probe body over Mitford murder; suspects political motive He also rejected National Citizen Party Convenor Nahid Islam’s allegation that BNP is becoming a ‘protector of Mujibism’. “I saw the news from Jhalakathi. Everyone can see who is doing the rehabilitation (of Awami League) and who is not.”

BNP leader and former Commerce Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Monday that the share market has long been trapped in a vicious cycle, and sought government action to break this and restore investor confidence. Addressing a capital market workshop, Khosru suggested that raising funds through government companies and project implementations, coupled with strong supervision, would build trust. Economic Reporters Forum (ERF), DSE Brokerage Association (DBA), Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) jointly organised the workshop at the ERF office. Khosru warned that excessive regulation can deter investment, emphasising that institutions should be allowed to operate independently with self-responsibility. The BNP leader pointed out a lack of capacity in regulatory bodies, a problem he believes extends beyond the share market to the entire financial sector. Khosru stressed the need for economic democratisation, asserting that economic liberation is impossible without it, and that the BNP is moving in that direction. He claimed that no scam occurred in the share market or financial sector during BNP rule, while the previous government brought the country's financial sector to the brink of destruction. Mominul Islam, Chairman of DSE; AKM Habibullah Rahman, Chairman of Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE); Saiful Islam, President of DBA; Minhaj Mannan, Director of DSE; and Golam Samdani Bhuiyan, President of Capital Market Journalist Forum (CMJF) attended the event, held with  ERF President Dolat Akter Mala presiding. Fakhrul alleges conspiracy to eliminate Tarique from politics Amir Khosru also said if BNP comes to power, regulatory bodies like Bangladesh Bank and the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) will not have political appointments, a practice he claims was maintained during previous BNP governments, preventing bank collapses and stock market plunder. He said a future BNP government would transfer many government roles related to business and trade to trade organisations. He cited an example from his tenure as Commerce Minister when the approval for importing raw materials for the ready-made garment sector, previously obtained from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), was handed over to BGMEA, simplifying the process for importers. Khosru reiterated that to increase public participation in economic activities, the economy must be democratized alongside politics. He stated that it is a key objective of the BNP to democratize Bangladesh's economy. Without economic democratization, public participation and trust will not increase, hindering full public involvement in the economy. When everyone is involved, they can actively contribute from their respective positions. He described the country's share market as having become "very unimportant" and called for a comprehensive initiative to fix it. This would involve coordinated reform efforts among all institutions associated with the share market, including SEC, DSE, and Bangladesh Bank.  Decisions must be made regarding poorly listed companies, and overall, these initiatives are necessary to restore investor confidence. "In the future, if the BNP government comes to power, we will embrace the share market. Because without the embrace of those who run the country, true development of the capital market is not possible," Khosru said. DSE Chairman Mominul Islam emphasised the need for regulations to be more market-oriented ones as the market has never played a relevant role in Bangladesh's economy and is not considered in national economic decisions, a situation that needs to change. CSE Chairman AKM Habibullah Rahman highlighted the lack of new, good shares in the market, with only one company listed in the past nine months. While the previous government saw some market development, it was largely manipulated and subsequently ruined, he added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday accused certain political quarters of deeply plotting to destabilise the country and derail the upcoming election and democratic process by using the Mitford murder incident to divert politics in a different direction. Speaking at a demonstration rally in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, he said, “This plan and conspiracy are extremely dangerous. The aim is to create fresh unrest and division in the country and to push Bangladesh back to a state where democracy is once again obliterated.” Fakhrul, however, said the BNP is moving forward towards democracy in a peaceful manner. “We want democracy through peaceful means. Our only goal is to ensure that the national election is held in February 2026.” He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, after discussions in London, decided that the next general election must be held in February 2026, and there will be no exception to this. Fakhrul said when BNP leaders and activists are working to implement their 31-point proposal to rebuild Bangladesh, some political cliques are indulging in plots. “They are trying to use the Mitford incident to divert the course of politics in a different direction.” The BNP leader said this kind of conspiracy is nothing new. “As the people of Bangladesh are trying to stand tall, these conspirators make fresh attempts to create instability, prevent the election from taking place, and deny voters their right to franchise.” BNP’s Dhaka South and North city units arranged the programme protesting the continuous conspiratorial lies and propaganda and demanding exemplary punishment for the barbaric murder of scrap trader Shohag near Mitford Hospital. Fakhrul said some so-called political leaders and workers have used indecent and offensive language against Tarique Rahman, thinking it will weaken BNP and frighten its leaders and supporters. “But BNP is a party that has faced many challenges and risen again and again like a phoenix. This is the party founded by Ziaur Rahman.” In light of the current situation in the country, Mirza Fakhrul urged BNP leaders and activists to act responsibly, emphasising the party's role as a major political force and a democratic entity in Bangladesh. “My request to the party leaders and activists is that you should not fall into anyone's trap. They are trying to provoke us to fall into their trap, but we should not get excited,” Fakhrul said. He also urged the BNP rank and file to face the situation with patience and refrain from doing anything that gives any opportunity to the enemies of democracy to malign the party. “Those who use vulgar language against Tarique Rahman and speak against BNP are, in fact, enemies of democracy,” the BNP leader said. He called upon the party leaders and followers to stage their demonstration in a peaceful manner, sending out a clear message to everyone that BNP will not compromise on the issue of democracy. BNP forms probe body over Mitford murder; suspects political motive “We want elections to be held within the timeframe that has already been decided. We want to restore people’s right to vote and rebuild a new Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said. He said some political party leaders have become crazy since it has been confirmed, following the Chief Adviser and Tarique Rahman’s meeting, the election will be held in February next. The BNP leader called upon all patriotic political parties to get united and move forward together in the interest of democracy. Condemning the brutal killing of Lal Chand Shohag, who was publicly beaten to death in the Mitford area on Wednesday, Fakhrul said, “We have clearly stated that this murder must be thoroughly investigated, those responsible must be identified, and exemplary punishment must be ensured. Those committing such brutal killings are doing so to destroy Bangladesh.” Later, thousands of leaders and workers of the party brought out a procession registering their protest against derogatory comments about Tarique Rahman. The procession passed through Bijoynagar and ended at the Jatiya Press Club. Earlier in the day, several thousand leaders and workers of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal also staged a demonstration at Nayapaltan on the same ground. They also brought out a procession from Nayapaltan towards Shahbagh, causing serious traffic congestion in the city. Leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal, from various educational institutions, gathered in front of the party's central office in Nayapaltan and started a protest march around 2pm. During the march, Chhatra Dal activists chanted slogans against those who make derogatory comments about Tarique Rahman and those who have long been involved in secret activities aimed at disrupting the academic environment. The JCD leaders and activists blocked Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection for a short time to protest against mob incitement and the ongoing disruption in educational institutions. They also expressed strong concern over the worsening law and order situation.

BNP on Monday formed an investigation team to probe the recent murder of a scrap trader in Old Dhaka, expressing concerns that the incident could be exploited for political motives and to destabilise the election environment. “There are reasons to suspect that this murder is being used for political gain and that such an incident is being used as an excuse at the instigation of certain quarters to disrupt the atmosphere of the upcoming national elections,” said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, he also said there are many reasons to believe that the Mitford murder is being deliberately used to create unrest in the country and to implement evil political motives. “To dig out the facts behind this brutal murder, we have decided to form an investigation and fact-finding committee comprising appropriate persons, who will reveal the actual facts and make them public,” Fakhrul said. He said they have arranged the press conference in response to a recent tragic and unexpected incident, particularly due to a deliberate attempt to distort the narrative and unjustly use it as part of a malicious campaign to tarnish the image of the country’s largest political party and its top leader, Tarique Rahman, and to register the party’s strong protest. As a responsible political party, Fakhrul said the BNP has already strongly condemned and protested the killing of Lal Chand Sohag, who was beaten to death in the Mitford area of Dhaka, and has demanded exemplary punishment for those involved. He said despite the absence of any evidence proving direct involvement or presence at the scene, the party has taken the highest organisational action—lifetime expulsion—against those named in the police complaint, in line with party discipline. The BNP leader said the victim’s family has already raised concerns about inconsistencies in the case statement. According to the family, he said, the names of three people were included in the report in place of the actual perpetrators, even though they have no complaints against those named. Regrettably, Fakhrul said, the real culprits directly involved in the brutal killing have not yet been identified, let alone arrested, and the law enforcement agencies have so far failed to reveal their names or identities. He said the BNP has earlier called on the current government to arrest those directly involved in the murder and to ensure swift justice.“Despite such a firm party position, a certain vested quarter is systematically showing the audacity to defame the party and malign its top leadership by attacking their character,” Fakhrul said. Lal Chand Sohag, a trader from Old Dhaka, was brutally killed in broad daylight near Mitford Hospital on Wednesday, reportedly over a dispute related to the scrap trade. He expressed their party’s firm resolve to identify and resist those who are trying to destabilise the political environment, obstruct the national election, and indirectly create a path for the rise of fascism. Fakhrul said that despite the presence of a large number of people and law enforcement agencies nearby, the lack of any resistance has raised questions in the public mind about the incident. He alleged that the events of 9 July were deliberately spread online on 11 July during ‘prime time’ after Juma prayers on Friday. After that, the BNP leader alleged that certain social media accounts and pages began sharing pre-prepared photo cards in a coordinated manner. “This suggests that propaganda materials had been prepared in advance, indicating a planned campaign to spread false information online.” Fakhrul also expressed frustration over the government’s indifference in preventing dirty politics. He said they hope all responsible political parties will be aware of the grave consequences of the current deteriorating political situation. The BNP leader warned that if undemocratic and unethical behaviour continues to hinder the path toward democracy, those responsible must be held accountable. Expressing BNP’s strong stance against offenders, Fakhrul stated that there can be no sympathy or bias when it comes to criminals. Fakhrul said a criminal should not be identified by any party affiliation and that an individual's crime has no connection with the party. The BNP leader said Sohag’s political identity is irrelevant—he was a citizen, tragically taken by terrorism. “We too demand exemplary punishment,” Fakhrul said. He said such a brutal killing of Sohag, carried out in broad daylight by only a few criminals, could be seen as a deliberate attempt to destroy the rule of law, standing in complete contrast to the spirit of the mass uprising of July, just a year ago. The BNP Secretary General affirmed that there was no question of stepping back from their commitment to stand by the victim’s family and to provide them with legal support. Fakhrul alleges conspiracy to eliminate Tarique from politics Instead of appreciating the bold step of removing individuals from party positions based solely on allegations, he said there has been a deliberate attempt to malign the image of BNP and its Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Such activities, the BNP leader warned, cast doubt on the country’s democratic journey. Fakhrul also questioned whether the use of vulgar language and protest rallies against the BNP—despite the party not being in power—signals a return to an era of fascist politics, undermining the country's political culture. He strongly condemned and protested against the use of obscene and indecent remarks made publicly against Tarique Rahman. The BNP leader said instead of reflecting the people’s desire for a healthy political culture, such orchestrated smear campaigns and vulgar slogans only echo the voice of fascist Hasina and the Awami League. He also questioned whether there was an equally strong outcry over the recent killing of a Jubo Dal leader in Khulna and other cruel incidents. Fakhrul said the masks of those conspiring to divide a nation united with the promise of re-establishing democracy in the country have now been exposed. He said Bangladesh must not be allowed to fail because of the desperate efforts of a few political conspirators. “The youth, who once stood as the vanguard in the fight against fascism, must now once again join forces to defend the country’s freedom and sovereignty.” The BNP leader stressed that no conspiracy in a united Bangladesh would be able to obstruct their goals. He emphasised the need to avoid falling into any trap intended to provoke conflict and called for the rejection of all attempts to destroy national unity against fascism. Fakhrul demands quick probe into recent killings in Old Dhaka Reassuring their party’s unwavering commitment, Fakhrul said they remained determined, as always, to establish genuine democracy in the country through the united efforts of all democratic forces. He said the BNP’s only priority is to restore the ownership of Bangladesh to its people, overcoming every obstacle with the help of the masses. “There is no room for our hard-earned success in the past 17 years of long struggle to be thwarted.” BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Hafizuddin Ahmed, and Professor AZM Zahid Hossain were present.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday alleged that a planned and evil campaign is being carried out as part of a conspiracy to destroy the nationalist forces and eliminate Tarique Rahman from politics. “One thing we must remember is that a targeted propaganda and campaign is going on. A specific conspiracy lies behind it with the aim to destroy Bangladesh’s nationalist forces and eliminate and defame the rising and potential leader Tarique Rahman,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a book unveiling event at a city hotel. The book titled ‘Tarique Rahman: The Hope of Bangladesh’ edited by Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal General Secretary Shahidul Islam Babul, was officially launched at the event. He said BNP is currently facing a serious, dangerous and well-planned cyber-attack from all sides, designed to undermine and discredit the party. “The most alarming part is that, for the first time, our leader Tarique Rahman has been directly targeted by name. There is an effort to defame him and harm his reputation by spreading many things. This is extremely alarming,” Fakhrul said. Fakhrul demands quick probe into recent killings in Old Dhaka In such a situation, he said BNP’s young leaders and activists must be properly educated. “They need to truly understand and embrace BNP’s political ideology. Without this, they will not be able to find their rightful place in politics.” The BNP leader said they have been busy fighting for the restoration of democracy for many years, but during this long period, many party members failed to gain the proper knowledge to enrich their political struggle. “Otherwise, we would not have to hear the kind of remarks we are forced to hear today.” He urged nationalist cyber activists to be more active in the digital space by involving more young people and promoting a merit-based political practice in the cyber world. “The big weakness of our BNP is that our people do not want to read. This habit must be changed. We need to read. The more we gain knowledge, the stronger we can fight. We need to read about everything. We must know what they are saying and how to respond,” Fakhrul said. He said there is no alternative to fighting with intelligence and applying merit. “There is no alternative to meritocracy. We need to move forward with that merit. Young cyber warriors need to come forward with their intellect.” Fakhrul also recalled the role of BNP-backed online activists and bloggers during past movements and promised to always stand beside them. Saying that social media platforms now have strong influence over people alongside traditional print, electronic, and online media, he admitted that BNP is weak in the cyber world. “We must strengthen our party’s presence online, and young people should take the lead in this effort.” Nahid cites NCP's commitment to reforms, not against any party The book Tarique Rahman: The Hope of Bangladesh highlights the political journey, visionary leadership, experiences during the 1/11 crackdown, political struggles, and state-building vision of BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. In his speech, Fakhrul praised Tarique Rahman's role in shaping the party’s direction and described him as a symbol of hope for Bangladesh’s future.  

Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, the youth wing of the BNP, will hold demonstrations across the country, including in Dhaka, on Thursday to protest against the worsening law and order situation. The programme was announced in a press release issued on Sunday, signed by Jubo Dal Assistant Office Secretary Minhazul Islam Bhuiyan. It said the leaders and activists of the BNP’s youth wing will bring out protest processions in all districts and metropolitan cities. Jubo Dal expels 2 leaders over murder in Old Dhaka  In Dhaka, they will take out a procession from in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office at 2pm. It will pass through Fakirapool, Dainik Bangla intersection, the National Press Club, Matsya Bhaban, and end at Shahbagh. Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan have urged all units of the organisation across the country to make the programme a success.

Unidentified miscreants hurled two crude bombs in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office on Saturday night. The first explosion happened around 10pm, followed by another blast at about 10:45pm, said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. In a press conference after the incident, he strongly condemned the crude bomb explosions near their party office. Tarique questions ‘govt silence’ over Mitford murder caught on video Rizvi urged the law enforcers to identify the culprits and arrest them immediately to bring them to justice. He said some cowards hurled the crude bombs to spread panic like that of Sheikh Hasina’s rule. “But it is not possible to frighten BNP leaders and activists with such incidents.” The BNP leader said they can assume who may be behind such an incident, but it is the government’s responsibility to track down the culprits. He urged all parties not to try to fish in troubled water, as the consequences will not be good. Earlier, some BNP leaders and activists, led by Rizvi, brought out a procession in front of the party office protesting the incident. Fakhrul demands quick probe into recent killings in Old Dhaka No injuries were reported in the incident, but the sudden blasts caused fear in the area. Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Motijheel division Shahriar Al Mamun said unidentified miscreants carried out the incident. He said they are investigating the incident with top priority.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam said the party does not particularly oppose any other political party; instead, their opposition is directed towards the old settlement's stickiness. "Those who seek to uphold the mafia system and continue extortion will no longer be accepted by the people," he said. The NCP leader came up with the remarks  at a public meeting on Bagerhat Rail Road on the 12th day as part of the party's countrywide campaign titled 'Desh Gort-e July Padajatra' (March for Nation Building) on Saturday night. Tarique questions ‘govt silence’ over Mitford murder caught on video Addressing the political parties, Nahid Islam emphasized that the state must be reformed and the country rebuilt. He warned that if they continue to oppose reforms, preserve the old arrangements, or uphold politics rooted in extortion, mafia influence, and corruption, the people will turn against them. He questioned, "What are you seeing that’s causing this backlash?" He also pointed out that students are once again taking to the streets in universities, signaling widespread discontent. He said that there was a public uprising against the mafia, corruption, and extortion system. Despite this, they have not yet been able to eliminate these issues, which is why they have returned with renewed effort. Tarique questions ‘govt silence’ over Mitford murder caught on video He urged the people to trust them, promising that they will bring about change in the extortion and corruption system as a commitment to the martyrs. He emphasized that the implementation of the July Charter is essential and must be completed within July-August. Addressing the police administration, Nahid Islam urged that the police must stand with the people and oppose extortionists. He warned that if the police behave like partisan entities, their fate will be similar to those who were partisan during fascist regimes. The event was also attended by a stable of NCP leaders, including Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Senior Joint Secretary Dr. Tasnim Jara, Senior Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Abid, NCP Bagerhat Chief Coordinator Syed Morshed Anwar, and others. Political parties betrayed people after July Uprising: Nahid   NCP leaders Hasnat Abdullah, Samantha Sharmin, Nahida Sarwar Niva, Abdul Hannan Masud, Mohammad Ataullah, Dr. Mahmuda Mitu, Molya Rahmatullah, Tajnubha Jabin, Md. Shafiullah, Abid Ahmed, and many leaders and activists were also present. Earlier, NCP central leaders, including Nahid Islam, visited the families of martyrs and injured individuals from Bagerhat during the July Movement, inquiring about their well-being.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday demanded a prompt investigation into the recent killings, including that of a scrap trader in Old Dhaka, to identify the offenders and bring them to justice. “I would like to clearly urge the government to investigate these incidents very quickly and ensure the actual offenders are identified and brought to justice,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with the families of the 142 martyrs of the July mass uprising. Otherwise, the BNP leader warned, the nation will not forgive the government and hold it responsible for creating these problems at a time when the country is heading towards the restoration of democracy. Mirza Fakhrul also called upon BNP leaders and activists to remain calm and patient in their democratic struggle. “To those who have made sacrifices, I ask you to wait a little longer with patience. Ensure that no one among us commits any wrongdoing. BNP has never supported injustice and never will. BNP has always stood for the rule of law and will continue to do so,” he said. Trader’s killing at Mitford shows serious failure in public safety: Fakhrul The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organised the programme at a hotel in the capital to mark the first anniversary of the July–August mass uprising and to honour the family members of the brave martyrs of Chhatra Dal. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined the programme virtually from London. Fakhrul called for completing necessary reforms quickly to return to democracy through a fair election. “We sincerely want a change in the system and structure of the state and then to move forward with an election. There is no alternative to democracy, and the first step towards it is holding elections,” he said. The BNP leader blamed the absence of elections for the worsening law and order situation in the country and the rise in killings, saying criminals are taking advantage of the lack of an elected government. “A government elected by the people will certainly be stronger and more accountable. I hope that together we will be able to establish a democratic state through unity and collective efforts,” he added. Fakhrul suggested that Chhatra Dal prepare a book documenting the sacrifices of its martyred members. He also assured that if the BNP comes to power, the state will give due honour to the martyrs and stand by their families. The BNP leader once again called on the interim government to ensure proper compensation for those killed and proper rehabilitation for those injured in the July–August uprising.