BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged members of ethnic minority communities, especially women, to be more assertive about their rights and take an active role in politics, assuring them that BNP will always stand beside them in their struggle for dignity and rights.
“Assert your rights. Establish your rights. You didn’t just come from somewhere else — you are sons and daughters of this country, born on this soil, and your rights are as strong as anyone else’s,” he said.
Fakhrul made the remarks while exchanging views with female small entrepreneurs from ethnic minority communities at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office in the afternoon.
Responding to requests from the women entrepreneurs for BNP’s nomination in parliamentary elections or reserved women’s seats, he encouraged them to engage actively in politics and take on leadership roles.
“One thing is clear, if you want to do politics and become a member of BNP, you have to work for the party. No one will give it to you for nothing. You must work for the party and stand out as a leader through your actions,” the BNP leader said.
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He also noted that many women from ethnic minority communities tend to be shy. “In meetings, you often stay at the back. I understand the storms and struggles you’ve faced. But let me tell you this — we will always support you to assert your rights.”
Fakhrul reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to protecting the welfare and rights of all ethnic communities. “BNP will work with you and for you. We will speak for your interests, fulfill your genuine demands, and help establish your place in society and politics. This is our promise.”
He also assured that if BNP forms the next government, special initiatives will be taken to support entrepreneurs from small ethnic communities, particularly women. “BNP will ensure easy access to low-interest loans for female entrepreneurs from ethnic communities through financial institutions.”
Recalling the initiatives of the late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Fakhrul said both leaders prioritised women’s empowerment and rural entrepreneurship. “During President Zia’s tenure, development boards in underdeveloped areas provided loans at just 2% interest, which helped many entrepreneurs succeed.”
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He said BNP plans to create a special cell to address issues faced by small ethnic communities. “We will consider setting up a separate cell for your affairs. Please share your database — how many of you there are, your professions, and where you live — so that we can coordinate better.”
The BNP leader encouraged community leaders to identify potential office spaces, adding that the party will help arrange rent or government approval if needed.
“Our founder, President Ziaur Rahman, believed in empowering people from all walks of life. We want to continue that vision — to build a democratic state where every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, can live with respect,” Fakhrul said.
Urging unity among the communities, he said, “No one will give you your rights unless you demand them. Be united, be vocal, and claim your place in the nation’s progress.”