BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that a vested quarter is deliberately misinterpreting the statement of BNP’s stance on reforms. He also clarified that the party fully supports the necessary reforms required for a free and fair election. Fakhrul came up with the remarks while talking to reporters at his residence in Thakurgaon district town on Wednesday. People celebrating Eid in ‘free atmosphere,’ restoration of democracy essential: Fakhrul "Our stance on reforms is being misinterpreted. Some certain quarters are spreading misinformation that BNP wants elections first and reforms later. This is completely false. We have always advocated for reforms," said the BNP leader. "We have said that the minimum necessary reforms must be implemented to ensure a fair and free election. At no point have we said elections first and reforms later. This is a distortion of our position, aimed at misleading the public," he added. Fakhrul urges Dr Yunus to remove advisers compromising govt’s neutrality He also emphasised BNP’s strong support for reforms in the electoral system, law enforcement and the judiciary to ensure a fair election process. Mentioning those involved in the reform as scholar, wise and people with great degrees, the BNP leader said “We respect and honour them. However, if they act beyond public interest, we cannot support that." "Democracy is the best system of governance. If any political party turns authoritarian after coming to power, the people will remove them. They will face the same fate as the Awami League government," he warned. China visit a ‘major success’ for interim government: Fakhrul "Every political party has its own opinions, but it is the people who will decide which is best for them. Political parties will present their policies to the public and those who receive the people’s support will form the government and parliament—that is democracy," he added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will attend a reception at Bangabhaban this (Wednesday) afternoon. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and First Lady Dr Rebeka Sultana will host  the reception, marking the Independence Day. “BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will participate in the reception at Bangabhaban at 4 pm, at the invitation of the President, on the occasion of 26 March,” said Sayrul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP media cell. BNP seeks clear election roadmap, criticises Dr Yunus for ambiguity The reception is expected to be attended by the Chief Justice, advisers, ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries, Supreme Court judges, the chiefs of the three armed services, senior political leaders, journalists, academics, business leaders, artistes, valiant freedom fighters, family members of the Birshreshtha gallantry award recipients and other distinguished citizens. Every year, 26 March brings to mind the darkest chapter in the nation's history, marking the beginning of a nine-month-long bloody struggle from the night of 25 March 1971, which culminated in the hard-won independence on 16 December of the same year, at the cost of immense sacrifice.

Voicing frustration over Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus' address to the nation, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday expressed disappointment that the interim government head did not present a clear roadmap for the national election. “I am very disappointed that the Chief Adviser did not mention a clear election roadmap in his speech yesterday (Tuesday),” he said while speaking to reporters after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at his grave. Fakhrul, along with party leaders and workers, placed a wreath at Zia’s grave, paying tribute to him on the occasion of Independence Day. He said the announcement of election between December and June is a vague statement. “It is very vague. December to June... six months. So, no roadmap has been given.” The BNP leader reiterated that their party has consistently called for a clear roadmap and prompt elections. Otherwise, he warned, the crisis that has been created will not be resolved. Fakhrul said their party is not talking about the election merely to come to power. BNP holds prayers seeking early recovery of Tamim “BNP is advocating for the election in the interest of the nation, to protect the nation, to protect independence and sovereignty, and for the establishment of an elected parliament and government,” Fakhrul said. He said they hope the interim government will quickly carry out the necessary minimum reforms for the election and subsequently announce the election schedule. Fakhrul, along with BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas, led thousands of leaders and activists to Zia’s grave to pay homage to the party founder, whom they consider the proclaimer of the Liberation War. After placing the wreath, they also offered Fateha, praying for the salvation of Zia’s departed soul. Earlier in the day, party leaders and activists, led by BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, laid a wreath at the National Memorial in Savar, paying tribute to the brave martyrs of the Liberation War. Fakhrul also expressed disappointment that in his speech, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus did not mention the name of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the brave freedom fighter who declared independence, even once. “But this was history,” he said. He also said the BNP does not want the history distorted by the Awami League to be altered again. The BNP leader said the sooner a democratic and elected government is established in the country, as per the people’s desire, the sooner the country’s problems will be resolved.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged the democratic forces to be more sincere in building a livable Bangladesh for the future generation.  “A ray of hope has emerged among us. We must all be more sincere to rebuild Bangladesh. We need to work together to create a sustainable and livable Bangladesh for the generations to come,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a discussion meeting at the Jatiya Press Club, held to mark the posthumous Ekushey Padak award given to renowned journalist late Mahfuz Ullah. Fakhrul said political parties had struggled against fascism and endured repression and suppression for a long time. “Fascism has been defeated and driven out through that movement. Today, we are all filled with hope for the country,” he said. Fakhrul expressed his satisfaction that a virtuous and talented journalist like Mahfuz Ullah has been honoured by the state with the Ekushey Padak after his passing. He said Mahfuz Ullah had always worked towards bringing about social change, establishing the rights of the people and ensuring their entitlements. The BNP leader reminisced that Mahfuz Ullah had played a significant role in uniting political parties, both left-wing and right-wing, to intensify the movement against the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina. Hold national election without delay, Fakhrul urges govt  The interim government has awarded the 2025 Ekushey Padak to 17 prominent people, including journalist Mahfuz Ullah, and the Bangladesh women's football team, in recognition of their contributions to various fields. Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus attended the ceremony as the chief guest at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Thursday and presented the medals. Paying tribute to Mahfuz Ullah, Fakhrul said the nation would best show its respect for him by transforming Bangladesh into a democratic and humane country. "We have come a long way, and now there are many young people who are rethinking the future of the country. But, in that reflection, we must remember one thing: we should never forget Mahfuz Ullah and those who contributed to this nation.” Describing the late Mahfuz Ullah as a ‘progressive’, ‘patriotic’, and ‘brilliant’ journalist, Fakhrul said he never hesitated to call a spade a spade. "I miss Mahfuz Ullah. I truly miss him. Losing him has left a huge void for us. I am pleased that he has received such posthumous recognition, and I thank the interim government for this," he said. The BNP leader also prayed for the salvation of Mahfuz Ullah's departed soul. BNP Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Chairperson's Advisory Council members Ismail Zabihullah, Nazmul Haque Nannu, political scientist Professor Dilara Chowdhury, Dhaka University Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Chief Advisor's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, BSS Managing Director Mahbub Morshed, senior journalist Amirul Islam Kagoji, and Mahfuz Ullah's son Mostafa Habib were among those who addressed the programme, with Professor Mahbub Ullah in the chair.