Voicing concern that efforts are being made to view the country from a religious perspective, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday expressed the hope that people will once again prove through their verdict in the next election that Bangladesh is a non-communal state.
“It is unfortunate that in today’s Bangladesh — the country we wanted to build as a non-communal nation -- various attempts are being made to see it from a religious angle,” he said.
The BNP leader made the remarks while exchanging views with leaders of the Bangladesh Christian Forum at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office.
Fakhrul said everyone should always remember that a non-communal Bangladesh represents the spirit of the Liberation War and the soul of the nation and society. “In 1971, we fought to build a non-communal Bangladesh, and we must not let that soul be destroyed.”
He also said attempts are being made, in one way or the other, to promote different ways of thinking and to divide the nation.
Fakhrul said his party has always raised its voice against such divisive efforts. “We are very hopeful that people will again give their verdict in the next election that they are truly non-communal and believe in Bangladeshi nationalism.”
After 15 years of misrule, the BNP leader said, a new opportunity has emerged to rebuild Bangladesh for which thousands of people sacrificed their lives and took part in the Liberation War. Everyone should always remember that Bangladesh became independent through the Liberation War in 1971.
He said the people of Bangladesh fought for independence to have a complete and distinct national identity.
Fakhrul expressed frustration that some quarters are now trying to erase that identity achieved through the Liberation War by bringing forward new ideas and narratives. “Such attempts are not good for Bangladesh. We believe we all want Bangladesh to be known as a non-communal nation,” he said.
Fakhrul said BNP’s programmes and policies aim to build a ‘rainbow nation’ where people of all faiths can live together in peace and harmony. “We are one nation and we must not allow anything to divide us.”
About the ongoing debate over the proportional representation (PR) system, he said those who are eager for an early election should not get distracted by this issue.
The BNP leader said the next parliament should decide whether future elections will be held under the PR system or not. “If it is suddenly introduced now, people will not even understand what it means.
“As the issue of the PR system has come to the forefront and movements are taking place over it, it is natural for those of us who want an early election to restore democracy, and to form a democratic government and a democratic parliament, to feel concerned,” he said.
Fakhrul said they expect the interim government to rise above all divisions and ensure a free and fair election, which the country needs most. “They are trying, and the Election Commission is also trying. But at times, we see some developments that cause us great concern.”
Responding to the Christian Forum leaders’ request for a nomination of one of their members from the BNP in the upcoming national election, he said he would forward their request to the party chief and assured that the matter would be given due importance.
Fakhrul urged members of the Christian community to speak up confidently about their demands and needs. “Never think of yourselves as a minority or small in number. You are respected and distinguished in society because of your abilities and contributions. You must express your needs and demands firmly.”
He urged the Christian community to give their full support to the BNP in the forthcoming polls. “We seek the wholehearted backing of your entire community in the upcoming election.”