- BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday warned that there is a possibility for the return of fascism due to disruptive activities and disunity among those who contributed to the success of the student-led uprising.

“Fascism has been defeated, but it can return any time. We must not pave that path. Unfortunately, we are engaging in such activities that have created a significant chance for its return,” the BNP leader said while speaking at a views-exchange programme at the Jatiya Press Club.

Jatiya Kobita Parishad arranged the event titled “The role of writers and artistes in overhauling”.

The BNP leader also said that fascist forces are attempting to create an awful situation in Bangladesh in a calculated way. “But why are those of us who had fought are now creating disunity? We become fearful when we hear conflicting statements from different places. There are efforts underway to push the country to a different direction through various street agitations.”

Fakhrul said that the nation must now unite around a single goal: to build a truly democratic state by re-establishing parliament after implementing the necessary reforms.

BNP urges Chief Adviser to foster national unity to resolve issues

“Overall, I would like to say, we all should not create division. We must move forward utilising the scope (created through the mass upsurge) keeping the unity intact. It is also our misfortune that, even after 53 years of independence, we have not been able to ensure a peaceful transfer of power," he said.

The BNP leader called on people from all walks of life, including writers, artistes, and intellectuals, to play a responsible role in inspiring the nation to achieve the desired goal.

Fakhrul said writers and artistes have long played a vital role in reshaping the state. "But this was not evident during the movement against the fascist regime of Hasina.”

He also said building a democratic Bangladesh and fostering a democratic culture through necessary reforms is a challenging task. "We must accomplish this through the united efforts of people from all sectors of society. “After the fall of fascism, it is essential to build a state and society that truly serves the needs and well-being of the people.”

Suspended assistant commissioner Urmi gets bail upon surrender

Indian Media’s Negative Role

Fakhrul slammed the Indian media for playing a negative role in the ISKCON issue.

"Some of the Indian journalists called me last night (Wednesday night). Their only question was, 'what are you doing about ISKCON?' This question is clearly intentional, aimed at provoking a (problematic) situation. They failed the first time, and now they are trying to create it again. We need to be cautious about this."

The BNP leader said everyone should now avoid any activities that could foster division. "What is needed right now is for everyone to remain calm, understand the situation, and move forward together. I don't believe there is any other path but to progress with unity."

Fakhrul also said he thinks democracy is not just about elections. “But the democratic process must be followed in order to achieve the nation's desired goals.”

He urged the youth, who are entrusted with the responsibilities of the state, to fulfill their duties with responsibility. "Do not engage in reckless activities that could push us back into darkness."

Writer and educationist Prof Salimullah Khan said efforts are underway to internalise the outcomes of the July-August revolution.

He said those responsible for the massacres during the July-August movement should not be allowed to participate in elections until they face trial.

Khan expressed concern about recent incidents in Chattogram and different other parts of the country, calling them an ominous sign for the nation. "It may be a dark cloud, but it’s a forecast of a coming storm."

He said poets, writers and politicians must unite on the national question, standing together to prevent the rise of autocrats once again.

Khan also said the fundamental condition for ensuring that all institutions, including the military and bureaucracy, remain under the authority of the people is to keep the state itself under the control of the people.