United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday claimed that his party is set for a landslide victory in the national election and alleged this is why some parties are trying to block it. “Only 23 days are left before the election. In these few days, many parties are saying they are not sure whether the election will even be held. Some keep saying, again and again, that the election will not be allowed. If voting takes place, it is doubtful whether they would even get three votes,” Fakhrul said while addressing a programme at Diploma Engineers Institution in Dhaka, marking the 90th birth anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. Expressing optimism, Fakhrul said BNP would win the upcoming election by a landslide as people are eager to see the party back in power. “People want to see a modern state under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. They want Tarique Rahman to implement his vision and future plans for Bangladesh.” Criticising a party for seeking votes in the name of religion, Fakhrul termed such practices as 'hypocrisy'. “They say that voting for the ‘daripalla’ symbol will ensure heaven without iman or amol. What could be a bigger act of hypocrisy than this? BNP is working on a plan to rebuild the country, while another party is driven by vengeance and violence.” Stating that Jamaat had never stood for the aspirations of the people, Fakhrul said, “Their leader Maulana Maududi opposed Pakistan and ignored Muslim aspirations. The same party opposed the Liberation War in 1971 and disregarded the aspirations of the Bengali people. Now they are spreading various kinds of misleading propaganda.” Fakhrul also accused the interim government of deception and bad faith over the reform process through a referendum. “It was agreed that issues on which there was consensus would go to a referendum. But matters BNP did not agree with were included without informing us. Still, in the interest of the country, we accepted it. Yet we are questioned on whether we want reforms. The reforms the government is now talking about are what we have been advocating since 2022. We are even ready to sacrifice our lives for those reforms," he said. Highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s legacy, Fakhrul said the former president gave the people of Bangladesh a distinct identity. “There are many Bengalis, but Ziaur Rahman gave the Bengalis of this country a separate identity — ‘Bangladeshi’.” Coordinated bid underway to manipulate election results: Abbas He said the banner of democracy carried by Ziaur Rahman passed through Khaleda Zia and is now in the hands of Tarique Rahman. “As soon as Tarique Rahman sets foot on the soil of Bangladesh, he has said to the people, ‘I have a plan’. His goal is to build a new, democratic Bangladesh based on the ideals of Ziaur Rahman.” At the programme, BNP standing committee members paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman and called for building a new Bangladesh under Tarique Rahman’s leadership by upholding his ideals.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said his party is confident that the Election Commission (EC) will be able to conduct the upcoming national parliamentary election in a competent and credible manner. “The scrutiny of nomination papers always brings some issues — this is nothing new. So far, we have seen that the Election Commission is working more or less with competence,” he said while talking to reporters after placing a wreath at the grave of former President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Fakhrul said their party placed a few of its concerns before the Chief Election Commissioner on Sunday. “We believe this Election Commission will be able to conduct the election with competence.” Asked whether all candidates are getting equal opportunities in the polls, the BNP Secretary General replied, “We have no such complaint.” Fakhrul along with BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed placed the wreath at Zia’s grave, marking his 90th Birth Anniversary. They later offered a munajat seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of Zia and Begum Khaleda Zia who were buried there on December 31 last year. BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Nazim Uddin Alam, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Joint Secretaries General Khairul Kabir Khokon and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, and central leaders Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Rafiqul Islam, Mir Newaz Ali, Helen Zerin Khan, Shah Nesarul Haque and SM Jahangir were also present, along with leaders of different front organisations. Later, leaders of the BNP’s different associate bodies, including Metropolitan units, Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, Muktijoddha Dal, Chhatra Dal, Tanti Dal, Matsyajibi Dal also placed wreaths at the grave. Fakhrul said they came to the grave of Zia, the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, the architect of modern Bangladesh and promoter of multi-party democracy, to pay tribute to him, marking his 90th birth anniversary. “Beside him rests another extraordinary and indomitable leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, who dedicated her life to democracy, freedom and sovereignty of Bangladesh,” he said. Calling Zia “an immortal name in the politics of Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said the late president introduced multi-party democracy, ensured freedom of press and judiciary and transformed the country’s economy from a ‘bottomless basket’ to a growing economy. “We remember him every year, and we pledge to move forward on the path he showed for establishing a liberal democratic Bangladesh,” he said. Fakhrul accuses EC of ‘questionable acts’ in many cases Referring to the upcoming national election, the BNP leader said the election has been scheduled for 12 February. “After a student-public uprising forced fascist Hasina to flee, we are now taking a fresh oath to rebuild an economy devastated by misrule and to institutionalise democracy.” Through this oath, he said, the BNP and its all front and affiliated organisations are renewing their commitment to carrying forward and implementing the ideals of Ziaur Raham in Bangladesh.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday sought the intervention of the Army Chief over the alleged killing of Shamsuzzaman Dablu, general secretary of Jibannagar Municipal unit BNP in Chuadanga, by members of the security forces. In a statement, Fakhrul said incidents involving killings by security personnel are not good for the country and weaken the rule of law. “Some members of the security forces detained Shamsuzzaman Dablu last night (Monday night) in the name of recovering arms and subjected him to inhuman torture, which led to his death. I express my deep shock and sorrow over this inhuman and barbaric incident,” he said. The BNP leader said the extrajudicial killing of Shamsuzzaman Dablu through torture is a gross violation of the country’s existing laws. “The people expect that under the current interim government, anyone involved in a crime will be punished through judicial courts,” he said. Fakhrul said detaining Chuadanga BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dablu in the name of arms recovery and killing him through brutal torture can never be acceptable to the people of the country. “I am seeking the intervention of the Army Chief over such horrifying and tragic incidents,” he said. The BNP leader strongly condemned and protested the incident and demanded an immediate and impartial investigation to ensure justice. The BNP Secretary General prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members. The death of a local BNP leader in army custody has sent shockwaves through Jibannagar in Chuadanga, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his sudden death and triggering protests across the town. All troops withdrawn after Chuadanga BNP leader’s death in custody Shamsuzzaman Dablu, 50, general secretary of Chuadanga Poura BNP and a resident of Hospitalpara, died around midnight on Monday after being taken into custody during an army operation near the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex. Family members and BNP leaders alleged that Dablu died as a result of torture, a claim that has further fuelled anger in the area.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said that if voted to power, his party would pursue Bangladesh’s rightful share of water from India while upholding mutual respect between the two countries. “If BNP forms the government, we will engage with India on issues related to the Teesta, Padma and other shared rivers and try to realise our rightful share of water,” he told reporters in Thakurgaon town responding to a question on how BNP would shape relations with India. When asked about India’s current unfriendly attitude, Fakhrul said proper diplomatic engagement could help ease tensions. He also criticised the government over what he described as its failure to recover illegal weapons, saying the law and order situation has not improved significantly so far. “I do not think the law and order situation has improved much yet. However, I am hopeful that it will improve during the election period and reach a better state,” he said. Referring to recent developments involving cricket, he said the issue carried political implications and was linked to the dignity of the country. “Undoubtedly, one of our cricketers has been insulted. We believe our country has been insulted. In that case, we agree with the decision taken by the cricket control board. At the same time, we believe minor issues should be resolved through dialogue,” he said. Asked whether major political parties were trying to woo Awami League voters, Fakhrul said BNP remained a self-sufficient political party with a strong record. “All the major achievements of this country were made under BNP from restoring multi-party democracy to shifting from a presidential to a parliamentary system, ensuring press freedom and judicial independence. BNP has ensured these through its 31-point reform agenda,” he said. Tarique to kick off BNP’s election campaign from Sylhet on Jan 22 On the election situation, he said the real situation will be clear once election campaigns begin. “Before that, it is difficult to understand the actual scenario,” he added. Asked whether fascism could return, he said “We are not afraid of fascists. We know how to resist them. We know how to fight and how to endure repression. We are not afraid of that.” BNP district secretary Paygam Ali and other party leaders were present.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday expressed the hope that Bangladesh will become a truly democratic state under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. “The country will move forward on the democratic path through Tarique Rahman, and the people of the country will regain their democratic rights. His majestic return yesterday (Thursday) carries that message,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to journalists at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar before paying tributes at the grave of BNP founder and martyred President Ziaur Rahman. He said people have warmly welcomed Tarique Rahman through a grand reception. “He has come with a message of change.” Fakhrul said Tarique’s return is not just a political event but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s history.  “After being in exile since 2006, Tarique Rahman returned to the country yesterday (Thursday). His return was grand and unprecedented. The people of Bangladesh welcomed him spontaneously and joined in the celebrations with joy and enthusiasm. The people has got back their beloved leader,” he said. Fakhrul a said very few leaders in Bangladesh’s political history have received such spontaneous popular support and public reception. As a young and promising leader, he said Tarique is now seen not only by the people but also by international media as a potential future Prime Minister of Bangladesh. “Fresh air has begun to flow in Bangladesh’s political sky. Tarique Rahman’s return is not just a personal comeback; it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s politics. It will pave the way for the restoration of democracy and fulfilment of people’s aspirations,” Fakhrul said. The BNP leader also said people have started dreaming again, and Tarique now stands at the centre of those hopes. Expressing firm confidence, Fakhrul said Tarique would implement properly the far-reaching plans he has undertaken for the welfare of the people. BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas said martyred President Ziaur Rahman had established multi-party democracy in the country, which was later upheld through tough struggles by Begum Khaleda Zia. “Today, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, that democracy will fully blossom,” he said. Abbas said the confusion and uncertainty among the public over election-related issues has been completely removed with Tarique’s return. “Tarique Rahman’s presence has brought clarity to the political arena. People are now far more confident than before about a free and fair election,” he added. Tarique returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after spending nearly 17 years abroad. The aircraft carrying him, his wife Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman entered Bangladesh’s airspace earlier in the day. His return has drawn wide public attention and strong emotions among BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country. Tarique was greeted by a rapturous reception from hundreds of thousands of jubilant supporters, marking his homecoming as a historic and triumphant event.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday alleged that various efforts are once again underway to destroy democracy in Bangladesh, following last year’s July–August mass uprising. “After the mass uprisings in Bangladesh, there are now again different kinds of attempts and conspiracies to destroy democracy. At this moment, the Revolution and Solidarity Day inspires us to follow the path through which we can truly build a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh,” he said. Speaking to reporters after paying homage to BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman at his grave, Fakhrul said the “civil-military uprising” of November 7, 1975, also inspires the party to work towards building a country where people’s right to vote and right to justice are guaranteed. “Along this path, Bangladesh will move forward, BNP will move forward, and we are working towards that goal,” the BNP leader said. Earlier, Fakhrul, along with thousands of BNP leaders and activists, paid homage to Zia by placing wreaths at his grave in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day commemorating the “civil-military uprising” of November 7, 1975. They offered fateha at the grave of the party’s founder and prayed for the eternal peace of his departed soul. BNP pledges to implement signed July Charter, urges parties not to block polls with new issues Fakhrul described November 7, 1975, as a turning point in Bangladesh’s history when patriotic soldiers and mass people united to foil the conspiracies of hegemonic forces and freed Ziaur Rahman, the “proclaimer of independence,” from captivity, entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the nation. He said Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s political and economic transformation by restoring multi-party democracy, ensuring press freedom, guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary, and introducing a free-market economy. During his short term in office, Fakhrul said Zia vigorously reformed the country’s political and economic systems, moved Bangladesh away from one-party BAKSAL rule to a multi-party democracy, opened up the media sector—which previously had only four newspapers—and strengthened judicial independence by establishing the Judicial Council. He said Zia also set the groundwork for Bangladesh’s economic progress by launching the free-market system, encouraging industrial growth, and creating opportunities for overseas employment—initiatives that laid the foundation for today’s thriving garment industry and remittance-driven economy. “This was how the journey towards a prosperous Bangladesh began. Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for building a happy and democratic state,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said Zia, a great leader born once in a generation, established the very basis of Bangladesh’s progress. “That is why this day is not only significant for BNP but also deeply important to all democratic-minded people across the nation.” BNP is observing the National Revolution and Solidarity Day today with various programmes held with due respect. Desperation to hold referendum before election raises public suspicion: Khosru On this day in 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians together freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power. On November 2, BNP announced a 10-day programme to mark the day extensively, aiming to highlight its true historical importance. As part of the programmes, the party flag was hoisted atop all its offices across the country in the morning. The BNP’s Dhaka South and North city units brought out a rally from the party’s Nayapaltan central office at 3:00pm. All district and upazila units of the party also held rallies on the same day.

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. BNP forms 7 teams for media, social media, grassroots outreach 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. Salahuddin warns against politicising Islam 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

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.” Read more: BNP to create 1 crore jobs if voted to power: Khosru 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.” Read more: BNP to revoke power sector indemnity provision if voted to power: Rizvi

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged all political parties to take part in the upcoming national election, putting aside minor differences, to help restore the democratic process in the country. “I call upon all political parties to join the coming election by putting aside small differences so that together we can bring back democracy in the country and return to the democratic system,” he said. He made the call while speaking at a programme marking the 21st founding anniversary of the Daily Nayadiganta at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital. Fakhrul said he believes the election will be held on time in February 2026. “We also think that through an acceptable election to all, we will get an opportunity to return to a democratic system.” He said the student-led mass uprising in August 2024 created a new opportunity to establish a truly democratic state. On behalf of the BNP, Fakhrul paid deep tribute to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in 2024 for freedom and democracy. He mentioned that the interim government has already announced that the election will be held by February next year. The BNP leader expressed the hope that the reform issues have already been settled, as the political parties agreed upon them and signed the National July Charter. He alleged that around 60 lakh political leaders and activists faced false cases, about 20,000 were killed, and 1,700 others became victims of enforced disappearance during the past ‘fascist rule’ of Awami League. Fakhrul said many Islamic scholars and Alem-Ulema including Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami, Nayadiganta owner Mir Quasem Ali and BNP Standing Committee member Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, were sentenced to death in false cases, calling it a shameful chapter in the nation’s history. He also mentioned the repression of journalists during the past fascist regime. “The people of this country want a free and democratic Bangladesh, a country that is not controlled by any foreign power but run by the will of its people.” Recalling the post-Liberation War period, Fakhrul said the media, particularly the press, faced severe repression. “After the establishment of Baksal in 1975, all newspapers were shut down. I remember that many journalists became unemployed, and some even worked as hawkers in front of Baitul Mukarram, as there were no newspapers left.” After the political changeover in 1975, he said, BNP founder and late President Ziaur Rahman was the first to move away from the one-party system and introduce multi-party democracy, ensuring press freedom. “We must not forget that the key reforms began during his (Zia’s) time and were later carried forward by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia,” Fakhrul added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged political parties to shift their activities and focus from the streets to parliament, emphasising the need for  strengthening parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. Speaking at a general meeting and conference of the Bangladesh Water Development Board Nationalist Workers and Employees Union at the Multipurpose Hall of the Pani Bhaban, he also called upon political parties to set aside minor differences and come together to make the upcoming election truly meaningful. “We must come up from the streets to the parliament. How long will we stay on the streets? We have been on the streets for 50 years. We must try to solve problems and make democracy a political culture through the National July Charter,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul acknowledged the interim government’s efforts, saying they are trying to do good work. “But no one can clear all the mess in just one year. The Awami League has created heaps of problems and destroyed a lot over the past 15 years, and it is impossible to fix everything in such a short time,” he said. Fakhrul said political parties must now act responsibly to ensure a free and fair election and to strengthen the parliamentary system. Non-signing of July Charter by some parties won’t affect polls: Salahuddin “Through the parliament that will be formed by the election, we must focus on strengthening the parliamentary system. All activities must be centred on parliament. Otherwise, parliamentary democracy will not function,” the BNP leader said. He said in countries where parliamentary democracy has been successful, parliament has always been the main focus of politics. The BNP leader also called for unity among political parties ahead of the upcoming election and hoped that all parties would participate in it.  “Let us all, as we have set aside our minor differences to sign the charter, do the same in the upcoming election. Let us overcome our differences and make the election truly meaningful,” he said. Fakhrul said the next election should be free and fair, accessible to everyone, and that those elected will make parliament vibrant and meaningful, serving as the country’s political centre.  He also noted that if democracy is genuinely established, the demands of all sections of society, including workers, will be recognised and fulfilled. July Charter signing marks the beginning of a new chapter in politics, Fakhrul Fakhrul said a historic political event took place on Friday at the south plaza of Parliament, where most political parties signed the July Charter. He described it as a truly unprecedented moment in Bangladesh’s political history. The BNP leader said the Charter can help bring changes to the state structure and amendments to fundamental principles, while also making politics more transparent for people. “It will strengthen existing democratic institutions, allow democracy to function properly and promote a democratic culture in society.” Commenting on an incident that occurred before the signing ceremony, the BNP leader said a group of students came and sat in front of the parliament venue, which led to a violent situation between the police and the students. “Such incidents at this time do not help democracy. I believe everyone should act in a highly responsible manner,” he observed. Fakhrul also extended support for the demands of the Water Development Board Nationalist Workers and Employees Union. Salahuddin sees path to democracy through July Charter He also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the July movement, saying, “Many sacrificed their lives during the July movement, and I express my deep respect to them.” The BNP leader stressed that the upcoming election is extremely important, as it will determine whether the country moves genuinely towards liberal democracy or takes a different path.  “We must never forget the 1971 Liberation War, through which a new nation was born. That war remains the foundation of our existence,” he reminded.