BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday called upon party leaders and activists to begin preparations for the next election by earning people’s trust and refraining from wrongdoings.
“It is now your (BNP leaders and activists') responsibility to prepare for the elections without quarrelling or engaging in internal disputes,” he said.
Speaking at a doa mahfil-cum-discussion, Fakhrul said, “What does that preparation mean? It means creating love for BNP among people. We must create a situation where people feel compelled to support the BNP and believe there is no alternative.”
Sylhet City Unit BNP organised the event to pray for the recovery and well-being of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and for the good health and long life of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Fakhrul recalled that BNP leaders and activists have made immense sacrifices, endured many hardships and faced torture and oppression over the last 16 years. “But we have a dream — the dream of building a new Bangladesh, free from injustice and oppression,” he said.
The BNP leader urged party rank and file to behave responsibly so that no one can accuse them of wrongdoing such as taking over businesses or occupying land, or engaging in extortion.
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He also called for unity within the party and urged his party colleagues to move forward by following the path shown by its founder Ziaur Rahman and Chairperson Khaleda Zia. “Our victory is certain.”
Fakhrul thanked Chief Adviser Professor Mohammad Yunus for deciding to hold the national election in mid-February next year during a meeting with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London.
“Let us all come together to build a new Bangladesh, but it will not be easy. We have many enemies who will try to create obstacles, cause delays and try to stop us. We must overcome all those and keep moving forward,” he said.
The BNP leader also warned the government and other political parties that any delay in holding the election will set Bangladesh back. “Investment will not come. Employment opportunities for the youth will not be created. Our mothers and daughters will become more insecure. Mobocracy will increase, and the judicial system and law and order will collapse.”
He stressed that only an elected government with public support can ensure lasting peace and stability in the country.
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“Always remember, no government is stronger than one elected by the people. Ahead of us, we have one clear message — we want a democratic Bangladesh. We want to create employment opportunities for our youth. We want to transform Bangladesh into a developed country,” Fakhrul said.
He mentioned that the BNP has presented a 31-point outline for overhauling the state to build a new Bangladesh. “These 31 points contain the future of Bangladesh and reflect our dream of a new nation. We do not want to remain a poor country forever.”
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Fakhrul said the younger generation is now ready to step forward for a better future. “To make this a reality, the BNP must take responsibility and lead the country towards building the new Bangladesh.”