United News of Bangladesh

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said deposed autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina can never be forgiven for the killings and brutalities during the July Mass Uprising, calling her a ‘disgrace to humanity and to all mothers’. “Hasina will never be forgiven. Hasina is a disgrace to humanity, a disgrace to mothers,” he said while addressing a programme titled, ‘The Mass Uprising 2024 – National Unity and Democratic Journey – Evergreen Memories’. Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal and ‘Amra BNP Poribar’ jointly organised the programme on the grave premises of late president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, where saplings of neem trees were planted in memory of martyrs of the July Mass Uprising. Recalling a grieving mother’s cries, Fakhrul spoke emotionally about the loss of her son in the movement. “She dreamt of a future through her son. They took him away. He was shot, then dumped in a van along with others — alive or dead, no one checked. Later, the bodies were set on fire. Think about it—we are citizens of an independent country,” he said. Fakhrul suspects plot to thwart February polls The BNP leader said they fought the war of 1971 for an independent country. “The police and administration of this country, who were meant to protect the people, whose salaries were paid with taxpayers’ money, burned and killed our children. What could be more cruel and inhuman than this?” “Our first task is to bring them to justice. Second: to rehabilitate the families of the martyrs. Those who are injured and lost their eyes must be given proper treatment and support. If we fail, future generations will not forgive us,” he added. Fakhrul also announced that BNP would create a fund for the families of those killed and injured in the movement. “I said it yesterday (Saturday), and I say it again today -- there will be an election. Whether we are given power or not is another matter. We will raise a fund on behalf of our party, and with this fund, we will help these families as much as we can,” he said. Fakhrul said he would talk to party acting chairman Tarique Rahman about creating the fund, though Tarique has already been helping the families of martyrs and injured through ‘Amra BNP Poribar’. He said their party wants to build a truly liberal democratic new Bangladesh as per the desire of the martyrs.  “Our goal is to build a truly liberal democratic state. We want a new Bangladesh. We want change. We don’t want corruption. We don’t want bribery. We don’t want murder. We don’t want torture. We want to build a country where people can live safely, freely and peacefully,” the BNP leader said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday urged the interim government to promptly move towards holding elections, warning that the situation is becoming increasingly complicated as time passes. “It seems the situation is getting more complicated with each passing day. Those who do not believe in democracy or a society free of exploitation are regrouping once again,” he said. Speaking at a discussion titled ‘Expectations of the Mass Uprising and the Path to Democratic Transition in the Country’ organised by Ganatantra Manch at the Jatiya Press Club, the BNP leader spoke about the nation's democratic future. Fakhrul urged the government to “identify the problems without unnecessary delay and engage in dialogue with political parties. Then, move forward towards elections. That seems to be the only way forward.” Referring to the aftermath of the August 5 regime fall, Fakhrul noted that it had opened a new opportunity to establish a democratic system in Bangladesh.  “It seems the situation is becoming more complicated. Those who do not believe in democracy, people’s progress, or politics aimed at building a just and exploitation-free society are once again forming alliances. The fascist forces that we were once able to oust are now quietly reorganising and conspiring to regain power.” Fakhrul slams attack on NCP rally, urges stern action against perpetrators Expressing concerns over rising incidents of mob rule, killings, muggings and enforced disappearances, Fakhrul warned, “If we lose this opportunity, Bangladesh will fall further behind. Every time, our people and youth give their lives to create an opening. It is unacceptable that we would squander such chances due to our own irresponsibility.” He stressed the importance of swiftly advancing reforms, the July Charter issue and election-related efforts, asserting that the sooner progress is made, the better it will be for the country. “There is no doubt that this responsibility lies with the interim government. But the longer the delay, the murkier the situation becomes. The forces opposed to uprisings and to Bangladesh itself are reuniting and working to destroy democracy once again.” Fakhrul expressed hope that interim government leader Dr Muhammad Yunus would be able to unite the nation and lead it towards achieving the common goal. Labeling the BNP as a democratic party, Fakhrul stated, “We want to take responsibility for running the state through elections and build a welfare-oriented state. Just as we have overcome obstacles in the past, no barrier can stop us in the days ahead.” Fakhrul said, “The 1971 and independence are at the heart of our philosophy. There can be no compromise there, nor in our commitment to democratic governance. Through dialogue, tolerance and acceptance of differing views, we believe we can reach a point where we can re-establish a truly democratic system.” Zonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan; Nurul Haque Nur, President of Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP); Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP); and Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party were, among others, present.