BNP Secretary General
Fakhrul calls for unity to uphold gains of July mass uprising
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) urged political leaders and people to remain united in safeguarding the gains of last year’s July mass uprising, saying the sacrifices of the young people who lost their lives must not go in vain.
“Let us work together to consolidate the victory we achieved through the movement of July 2024,” he said while addressing the publication ceremony of four books written by prominent economist Professor Mahbub Ullah and his wife Umme Salma Alo.
Fakhrul said the differences of opinion may exist among political parties, but those must not undermine the hopes and dreams of the nation. “The sacrifices of the young men who gave their lives must not go in vain — we must remain united to turn our dreams into reality.”
The programme, organised at the Jatiya Press Club, also coincided with the 81st birthday of Prof Mahbub Ullah.
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Praising the noted economist, Fakhrul described Mahbub Ullah as one of the most respected intellectuals in the country.
He said Mahbub Ullah has long been associated with BNP’s reform efforts, playing a key role in policy discussions and initiatives taken by Begum Khaleda Zia.
Fakhrul recalled Mahbub Ullah’s contributions to the party’s political, constitutional and economic reform proposals, including those placed in 2016 as part of BNP’s Vision-2030 for Bangladesh.
He said the main points of the BNP’s Vision-2030 emerged from the thoughts Mahbub Ullah.
“He has a connection with BNP, and denying that would be denying the truth. Whenever Begum Khaleda Zia wanted to hold discussions on any matter in the country, she would call him,” Fakhrul said.
Read more: BNP ready to lead fresh drive against corruption: Tarique
He also mentioned that Mahbub Ullah also played a key role in forming Oikayfront-led by BNP against Awami League’s authoritarian government before the 2018 national election.
Fakhrul said the renowned economist always advocated for shaping the country into a democratic state, establishing an economy free from inequality, and ensuring that ordinary people enjoy their voting rights and other freedoms.
“He has always been at the forefront of efforts to create a democratic and anti-authoritarian Bangladesh, and his contributions can never be denied. From the books of Prof Mahbub Ullah that I have read, the same message resonates — a vision of a truly democratic, equitable, and free Bangladesh. I want to thank him again today and wish him a very happy birthday,” the BNP leader said.
Fakhrul also mentioned that it is the birthday of another remarkable woman, Begum Rokeya, who played a pioneering role in awakening women in the country and across South Asia, as well as the birthday of Prof Mahbub Ullah’s third daughter, and extended greetings to them.
“I also hope that Mahbub Ullah will continue to guide and support Bangladesh’s politics and economy with his wisdom, scholarship, and experience,” he said.
Read more: Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters
9 days ago
BNP to prioritise water-sharing, end ‘Indian hegemony’: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday (November 15) said his party will give top priority to resolving longstanding water-sharing disputes and stopping what he described as ‘Indian hegemony’ with Bangladesh.
Talking to reporters after inspecting a rubber dam built on the Mahananda River in Chapainawabganj, Fakhrul said issues related to the Teesta and Farakka, fair water shares, and border killings will be among top priorities if their party is elected to power.
Ensuring Bangladesh’s fair share of water and stopping border killings are priorities of BNP’s politics, he asserted.
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Fakhrul said India, as a neighbouring country, has every opportunity to maintain good relations with Bangladesh.
“During the Liberation War in 1971, India stood by us. They should extend even greater cooperation now. But unfortunately, we have witnessed the opposite. The Modi government has put pressure on Bangladesh, taken everything, and given us nothing. That was the failure of the Awami League government,” he added.
“The relations must be on the basis of equal footing. Our national interests must come first,” Fakhrul added.
The BNP secretary general arrived in Chapainawabganj to join a mass rally organised as part of the ‘Save the Padma, Save the Country; Bangladesh First’ campaign.
Read more: BNP weighing review of ‘controversial’ nominations amid grassroots unrest
1 month ago
Plot underway to erase Liberation War spirit: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday (10th November 2025) alleged that a vested group is conspiring to erase the spirit of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War.
“Those who had collaborated with the Pakistani army to kill freedom fighters and committing atrocities against women are now attempting to swallow the country,” he said while addressing a discussion meeting with freedom fighters and their descendants at the Thakurgaon District Freedom Fighters Complex.
Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad district unit organised the event.
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“There is a growing attempt to promote a notion that the freedom fighters of 1971 made no contribution to the Liberation War or the nation, and that only those active in 2024 deserve credit for everything,” Fakhrul said.
“Thousands of my brothers were martyred in 1971, countless people had to leave their homes and seek refuge in India and our mothers and sisters were subjected to atrocities and killings. Can we forget that?” he said in an emotion-choked voice.
He said the conspirators who had supported the Pakistani army in 1971 are now trying to ‘swallow ‘the country, exploiting religious sentiments. “We cannot allow that. We must stand firm and uphold the spirit of our Liberation War,” he said.
“I want to make one thing clear—delaying the election through the ongoing conspiracies means our destruction, the destruction of this country. An elected government is urgently needed,” he added.
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Fakhrul also urged the interim government to announce the election schedule promptly and establish an elected government.
He told the freedom fighters that Begum Khaleda Zia established the Ministry of Freedom Fighters and today freedom fighters and their families are receiving allowances. “It was Begum Khaleda Zia who initiated these benefits.”
He urged all to avoid creating divisions saying, “We, Hindus and Muslims, are brothers here, united. No one should be allowed to divide us.”
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Thakurgaon District Unit Command Muktijoddha Sangsad convener Bir Muktijoddha Nur Karim and its central command council member Nayeem Jahangir, among others, spoke at the programme.
1 month ago
BNP announces 10-day programme to mark November 7
BNP on Sunday announced a 10-day programme to observe with due respect ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’, marking the ‘civil-military uprising’ on November 7, 1975.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programmes at a press conference at the party’s Nayapaltan central office after a joint meeting of the party and its associate bodies.
He said the observance of the day will begin on November 5 with a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal and end on November 13.
As part of the programmes, he said the party flag will be hoisted atop all BNP offices across the country on the morning of November 7, while senior BNP leaders will place wreaths and offer fateha at the grave of late president and party founder Ziaur Rahman at 10:00am.
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The BNP’s Dhaka south and north city units will also hold a rally the same day, starting from the party’s Nayapaltan central office at 3:00pm. All district and upazila units of the party will bring out rallies on the same day.
Besides, BNP’s associate bodies and all units across the country will organise various programmes, including discussions, cultural events, photo exhibitions, distribution of educational materials among orphan students, release of documentaries through electronic and print media, and on Facebook, YouTube, and online platforms.
Supplements will also be published in newspapers across the country to mark the day with due respect.
On November 12, the party will arrange a discussion at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.
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Amid political turmoil, soldiers and civilians on November 7, 1975, jointly freed then chief of army staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power.
Speaking at the press conference, Fakhrul said November 7 is a very important day in the political and national history of Bangladesh, as it brought a historic change in the country’s politics.
He said the unprecedented unity of the people and soldiers on that day paved the way for Ziaur Rahman to enter politics and rebuild the country through major economic reforms.
“That’s why November 7 is very important to us. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the people and soldiers’ revolution. We want to make this day memorable and move forward with the philosophy of November 7,” Fakhrul said.
Read more: BNP not to take responsibility for unsigned parts of July Charter: Fakhrul
1 month ago
BNP not to take responsibility for unsigned parts of July Charter: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said their party will not take responsibility for any part of the July Charter that was added after the party had formally signed it.
“Our position is very clear. We will take responsibility for the parts of the July Charter that we signed. But we won’t take responsibility for what we didn’t sign,” he said while speaking at a rally of freedom fighters.
Fakhrul, however, said his party still wants these issues to be resolved through discussions.
He recalled that when the Charter was signed in front of Parliament amid rain, it was agreed that the points all political parties supported would be signed, and the points they disagreed on would be recorded as a ‘note of dissent’ in the Charter.
“We signed the Charter with that understanding. But now, in the proposal sent to the Chief Adviser, they have completely ignored those notes of dissent and added some new issues. This is unfair and deceptive to the people,” the BNP leader said.
Even after such deception by the National Consensus Commission, he said BNP acted responsibly. “We held a press conference to express our position. We didn’t take to the streets, lay siege to the Chief Adviser’s residence, or to the Election Commission.”
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Fakhrul criticised Jamaat-e-Islami for what he said is taking to the streets and forming alliances with some parties to put pressure on the government to act as they wish.
The pro-BNP platform Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal organised the rally titled ‘The Upcoming National Parliament Election is Essential to Protect Freedom, Sovereignty and Democracy’ at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the upcoming National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7.
About the upcoming election, Fakhrul said it should be held in February 2026 as announced by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
“Whether proportional representation (PR) will be introduced or not will be decided by the next parliament,” he said.
The BNP leader also said his party agreed to a referendum although it was not necessary. “We agreed to hold the referendum on the same day as the election to save costs. Holding it separately would cost over Tk 1,000 crore.”
He said their party proposed holding the election and the referendum on the same day with two ballots--one for the referendum and another for the election of parliament members.
“But now they (Jamaat) are saying the referendum should be held first, and the election later. It is they who are talking about delaying the election, not us. We have always said the election should be held as soon as possible,” Fakhrul said.
Read more: Fakhrul slams Jamaat for ‘spreading lies’ to mislead people ahead of election
When Jamaat and other parties talked about reforms after the mass uprising, he said BNP took it positively as the party had already presented a 31-point reform plan in 2022.
“Our leaders have discussed it (310-point) across the country. Most of the points now included in the Charter are already part of our 31-point outline. So how can anyone say that we don’t want reforms?” the BNP leader said.
Fakhrul said it was wrong to claim that BNP does not support reforms. “We are in favour of reforms. But we want real reforms, not the kind of deceptive ones they are trying to push by misleading the public. We must make this clear before the people.”
He said Sheikh Hasina, who is now in India, has been giving interviews to different media outlets there without showing any sign of remorse for her misdeeds and killing of people.
“Not even once has she expressed any regret. When journalists asked her if she would apologise for her actions, she said, ‘No, we will not apologise.’ That same person, that same lady, is now spreading propaganda from India,” he said.
He urged the Indian government to return Hasina to Bangladesh to face trial under Bangladeshi law. “We want to say clearly to the Indian government, please send her back to Bangladesh and ensure she faces trial under Bangladesh’s law. Do not always go against the people of Bangladesh. The people will not accept that.”
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1 month ago
Fakhrul holds meeting with US Chargé d'Affaires
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Dhaka, and discussed the country’s latest political situation and the upcoming election.
The meeting, which lasted for about an hour, began at 10 am on Thursday and took place at Jacobson’s residence.
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BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaid accompanied Fakhrul at the meeting.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Shama Obaid said they had visited the US envoy’s residence for breakfast at her invitation.
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“The new US Chargé d'Affaires is engaging with various political parties, and this meeting was part of those discussions,” she said.
During the meeting, Shama said the country’s current political situation, economic conditions, and BNP's views on the upcoming election were discussed. “The US envoy tried to understand BNP's perspective on these issues.”
10 months ago
Mirza Fakhrul steps into 78 Sunday
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stepped into 78 on Sunday, receiving birthday wishes from family, party colleagues and friends.
Fakhrul was born on January 26, 1948, in Thakurgaon. His father, the late Mirza Ruhul Amin, was a leader of the Muslim League and a minister in the Pakistan government.
As in previous years, the BNP leader celebrated his birthday with a low-key affair, with only family members and party leaders and activists offering their greetings.
Fakhrul began the day surrounded by his two daughters, Mirza Shamaruh and Mirza Safaruh, his wife Rahat Ara Begum and his grandchildren.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, senior party leaders, friends and well-wishers also called to wish him a ‘Happy Birthday’.
Speaking to reporters on the occasion, Fakhrul said a birthday signifies another year passing by in his life.
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"In other years, my elder daughter would call from Australia, but this time, that didn’t happen this time. My elder daughter and her family arrived in Dhaka just a few days ago. So now, my entire family, including both my daughters, is here in Dhaka. My daughters wished ‘Happy Birthday’. Your sister-in-law (Rahat Ara) also wished me a Happy Birthday after waking up this morning," he said.
Fakhrul said his grandchildren also wished him a ‘Happy Birthday’. "It’s a unique kind of joy. From the first hour of my birthday on January 26th, many friends, relatives and leaders called to wish me."
He mentioned that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman called from London to greet him, followed by other senior leaders of the party.
"The birthday reminded me that I’ve grown old...now I’m on the verge of departure from this world," the BNP leader said.
Fakhrul expressed his belief that his dreams and hopes would be realised through the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh.
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“At this stage of life, I firmly believe that most of the political crises and challenges we face can be resolved, and Bangladesh will regain democracy. I hold onto that hope," he said.
The BNP leader said his health condition is not good, but he is in good spirits as his entire family is together this time.
Asked about his feelings on his birthday, Fakhrul said, “I don’t actually celebrate my birthday... I’ve turned 77...you could say it’s a long journey. Over these 77 years, I’ve seen many changes, witnessed many events, encountered many people and been inspired. I’ve found the meaning of remaining alive.”
“Now, it’s time to go... but my hope, my expectation, is only one: Bangladesh will move towards democracy, and it will regain democracy. For this democracy, the people of our country, and the millions of leaders and workers of BNP have sacrificed so much and endured immense repression during the fascist rule," he added.
Fakhrul, who was involved in leftist politics during his student life, completed his graduation and post-graduation from Dhaka University’s Economics Department.
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Later, he pursued a teaching career through the BCS examination. Fakhrul resigned from teaching in 1986 and formally entered politics.
In 1988, he won the Thakurgaon Municipality election and became its chairman.
In 1979, during Ziaur Rahman's government, Fakhrul served as the personal secretary to then Deputy Prime Minister SA Bari.
In 1992, he became the president of Thakurgaon District BNP and gradually rose through the ranks, from a member of the party’s executive committee to ultimately becoming the party's secretary general.
Before reaching the top leadership of BNP, he served as the first vice-president and later the president of the Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal for a long period.
Fakhrul was appointed acting secretary general of BNP after the death of the party’s then-secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain in 2011. He was given full charge of the party’s secretary general position five years later, in 2016.
He was elected MP from Thakurgaon-1 with the BNP ticket in 2001 and appointed as a state minister. He was also elected MP from the Bogura-6 seat in the 11th parliamentary election but has not yet taken the oath, as BNP rejected the election results.
10 months ago
Interim govt fails to maintain neutrality in some cases: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that the interim government is failing to maintain neutrality in certain matters.
“Yesterday (Wednesday), in an interview, I said if the interim government can’t remain impartial, a neutral government will be required during the election. There is a reason for making this statement. We observe that the interim government is unable to maintain neutrality on several issues,” he said while addressing a discussion on Thursday.
He urged the interim government to carry out its responsibilities impartially and address the problems the country is currently facing.
The Shaheed Asad Parishad organised the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club to mark the 56th martyrdom anniversary of student leader Asaduzzaman Asad, who became a symbol of resistance during the mass uprising against the then Pakistani autocratic ruler Ayub Khan in 1969.
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On January 20, 1969, Asad, a hero of the 1969 mass upsurge, was shot and killed by the Pakistani police during a protest rally near Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) against the atrocities inflicted on the people of East Pakistan.
Fakhrul said the government should arrange the election as soon as possible after carrying out the necessary minimum reforms related to the election.
“The government formed through that election will be responsible for fully implementing the commitments to the reforms and working to meet the public’s aspirations. We can’t allow the blood of Asad and Abu Sayed to be in vain. For this reason, we must unite and realise their (martyrs’) dreams. Let this be our pledge today,” he said.
Fakhrul said countless people, including Asad in 1969 and Abu Sayed and many others in 2024, sacrificed their lives to establish a truly democratic state. “If we want to make this truly meaningful, what is needed is for us to unite on the minimum (reform) issues.”
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He said BNP and other parties that have carried out a movement together against the fascist regime have placed a 31-point reform outline. “If any changes or additions are needed, they can come to the forefront and we should move forward with them.”
The BNP leader claimed that his party is seeking the election not merely to gain power, but because he fears that evil forces may exploit the situation if the election is unnecessarily delayed. “From our experience, we know that if such an election is not held quickly and time is wasted, other forces begin to raise their heads. In that case, the people's demands will be completely ignored.”
He said some people criticise him for advocating the prompt holding of the next national election. “The reason I say this, and have tried to say it repeatedly, is that we believe the people, who have been deprived of elections for 15 years, will have the opportunity to elect their representatives through the polls.”
The BNP leader said he has been repeatedly saying that who comes to power is not significant, but the establishment of people's rights is crucial. Those who have fought for 15 years to ensure the rights of the people have high expectations from the current interim government, he added.
"Naturally, after a student-led mass uprising, people's expectations have risen significantly. But sadly, the truth is that, given the current state of society, we still do not see any efforts to ensure that the expectations of the people of the country will be fulfilled," Fakhrul said.
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He also said all political parties agree on the necessity of holding elections, as it is the gateway to the democratic system.
The BNP leader said some people are arguing that the government should hold the election only after all reforms. “But should we wait four to five years or until the reforms are completed? People would be deprived of their voting rights for such a prolonged period,” he said.
He alleged that the bureaucracy still operates in the same way as it did before, with no changes in the administration from the Secretariat to other government offices while education in universities has almost come to a halt, schools and colleges are not functioning properly and the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse.
"That is why we have said that the election needs to be held quickly. The party that comes to power will definitely be responsible for fulfilling the political commitments to the people," Fakhrul said.
10 months ago
Some people trying to undermine national unity: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday lamented that some individuals within the country are trying to create a rift in the national unity forged during the anti-fascist mass uprising.
“There is no division among us. Unfortunately, however, some people in our country are now trying to sow discord in this unity. I know that attempt won’t succeed,” he said.
Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing the first national council of the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) at Suhrawardy Udyan.
The BNP leader expressed confidence that the nation will certainly achieve its desired goal through united efforts.
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He, however, said all need to be patient to materialise the dream of rebuilding a new Bangladesh. “We all must be cautious so that we do not destroy that potential through rashness, wrong decisions and wrong steps,” Fakhrul said.
He said it is a fact that the country’s economic situation is not very good amid a fragile political situation.
“We want to tackle this together, and we want to overcome all problems together. If we have been able to remove that monster and the fascists by working together, then why can’t we rebuild the state with new possibilities?” the BNP leader said.
Reiterating that the BNP has always advocated for state reforms, he said some people wrongly claim that the party demands the election before reforms or that it is restless for the election.
“That is not the case. Why do we want the election to be held promptly? We want it soon because it will strengthen us further, once an elected government and parliament are in place. The crises that have arisen will also be resolved then,” he observed.
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He said many are asking what the nation achieved after the five months of mass uprising. "The achievement is that today we can stand here and speak without hesitation and fear. I consider this a big victory for us."
The BNP leader acknowledged that the AB Party has played a big role in making the mass movement a success.
"Democratic movements against fascists are rarely successful, but our students have made it a success through their vehement movement, freeing us from the hands of a terrible monster," he said.
Fakhrul said the nation is now dreaming of building a new Bangladesh again and talking about it as a favourable situation has been created.
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"We shouldn’t destroy this environment and the dream. What is needed now is that, despite all the provocations, we should remain steadfast in our decision to return to a democratic system," he said.
The BNP leader said they want to eliminate discrimination as they want to join hands with the youth of Bangladesh, standing shoulder to shoulder with them to build a new Bangladesh.
11 months ago
Political parties talk about democracy but fail to practise: Fakhrul
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday lamented that the biggest problem in Bangladesh is that political parties talk about democracy but fail to practise it, thus hindering the development of democratic institutions.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Economics Department at Dinajpur Government College, he also said though the democratic struggle ended on August 5, the nation has failed to find a path towards building the country together in unison.
“The biggest problem in Bangladesh is that we speak about democracy but do not practise it. There have been successive attempts to kill democracy. As a result, our democratic institutions have not developed,” he said.
The BNP leader also said that political parties in Bangladesh have long been engaged in conflict and rivalry with one another. “However, if we can move forward by practising democracy with tolerance, we can establish true democracy and secure our rights,” he said.
He also bemoaned that the people of the country, including the new generation, have been unable to exercise their right to vote over the past 15 years. “What kind of democracy is this, where people lose the opportunity to exercise their rights?”
Fakhrul said politicians have a failure that even after 54 years of independence they still have not been able to make Bangladesh a happy and peaceful country of love and affection.
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“We suffer from narrow-minded politics. We have lost our morality to the lowest level. Even a few days ago, we could not say that we are a proud nation. Now, once again, hope is rekindled among us, and we begin to dream. In the true sense, we’re trying to build a happy, beautiful, loving, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh, the one envisioned by the proclaimer of democracy, Ziaur Rahman,” he said.
The BNP leader recalled with gratitude that many brave sons of the soil and political activists have sacrificed their lives to free the country from the grip of the fascist Awami League regime.
“Our political workers have long endured unusual and inhuman torture. Over 800 leaders and workers have been subjected to enforced disappearance, while false cases have been filed against more than 60 lakh political leaders and workers. Thousands of leaders and workers have been killed without trial. What a terrible situation we have endured,” he said.
Fakhrul said new possibilities have now arisen to build the country and move forward with united efforts. “But I don’t know why we can’t rise above narrow-mindedness. I appeal to all concerned: let us stand up. Let’s determine a path that is clear, true, and beautiful--rising above narrowness--to materialise our dreams.”
Appreciating the youth, the BNP leader said he is overwhelmed by the way the younger generation and university students are voicing their opinions to build a new Bangladesh. “They are talking about change with patriotism...Our children have immense potential to show us the way to develop the country. We have to catch this point. So don't think only negatively. We must proceed with mutual tolerance and respect.”
“No matter what political thoughts I have, if there is patriotism and love for the country, then surely we can utilize the scope that has been created now (through the mass uprising),” he said.
In his 30-minute address, Fakhrul also slammed the Awami League regime for ruining the country’s economy through widespread plundering.
“Our entire wealth has been looted and siphoned off abroad. Around $16 billion has been laundered every year. As a result, over $280 billion has been siphoned off abroad in the last 15 years,” the BNP leader said.
He also said the Awami League established fascism in Bangladesh by taking control of all state institutions to make its power absolute, creating an atmosphere of fear so that no one could speak out.
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“By Allah’s infinite grace, we have come out of that situation, and an opportunity has arisen to make Bangladesh a truly democratic country,” Fakhrul said.
Acknowledging his age, the BNP leader said, “I am old enough to leave this world very happily if I could see that Bangladesh has truly become a country of love and affection.”
He also expressed dismay that Bangladesh’s economy is now facing a crisis and disaster, as the fascist Awami League regime has destroyed the country’s economy over the last 15 years.
Fakhrul called upon economists to come forward and help steer the country’s economy back on track.
He also reminisced about his days in Dinajpur as a teacher in the Economics Department of Dinajpur Government College. “I spent the most beautiful time of my life in Dinajpur and at Dinajpur College,” he said.
11 months ago