BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday urged all political parties not to create divisions over minor issues, warning that such disputes could disrupt the country’s democratic progress.
“Many political discussions and disputes are happening now… That is normal in a democracy. But please do not do anything that could disrupt democracy again,” he said.
Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing a protest rally organised by the Dhaka District unit of BNP at the Darul Ihsan Madrasa ground in Ashulia’s Sreepur area.
The programme was arranged to remember the victims of the brutal Ashulia incident during the July Mass Uprising 2024, when the bodies of martyrs were reportedly burned near the Ashulia Police Station.
He appealed to all political parties, saying, “We request you not to create situations over small matters that could give fascist Hasina any opportunity to return to the country.”
The BNP leader also called upon political parties to come together and quickly resolve their problems to restore democracy. “Let us settle our issues promptly and return to a democratic system and establish a government of the people through a neutral election,” he said.
Fakhrul said that if a people’s government had been in place, they would not have had to hear the complaint made by a member of a martyr's family about not standing beside them.
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He expressed his confidence that the nation would unite to restore democracy, ensure justice for those still waiting for it, and improve the lives of the people under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.
Referring to the incident of burning the bodies of martyrs in a van during the July uprising, just before the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, the BNP leader said, adding, “I am shocked. Such scenes are unimaginable. What kind of country are we living in? Only Mussolini used to kill people in gas chambers during the Second World War. But Hasina has burned students alive in our country.”
He said it is hard to speak after hearing the statements of the families of the martyrs, as he felt deeply ashamed.
“What kind of nation are we when we burn our own children alive? What kind of nation allows its officials and employees to kill and burn their own people?” Fakhrul questioned.
He also mentioned a mother who spoke about her son, who was still alive when he was burned.
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The BNP leader expressed frustration that the government has still failed to provide proper compensation to the families of those killed and injured during the mass uprising.
Fakhrul strongly criticised deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of resorting to brutal killings just to stay in power.
“People are still strongly demanding trial of Hasina. The whole nation wants Hasina to be held accountable. You know that Hasina has fled to India, and India has given her shelter. You have seen that from there, through audio messages and videos, she is trying to create unrest in Bangladesh by spreading various provocations and tensions. And they have already created such a situation in Gopalganj,” he observed.
Fakhrul urged the nation to remain alert to protect the country and foil all conspiracies.
Some family members of the martyrs shared their heartbreaking stories, moving the entire gathering to tears.