BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said the people of the country are celebrating this year’s Eid in a joyful and free environment, a stark contrast to the 15 years of oppressive rule under the Awami League’s fascist government. Speaking to the media after paying homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, he also expressed the hope that the interim government would restore democracy and people's right to vote, fulfilling its promises to the nation. Tarique Rahman extends Eid greetings to Bangladeshis, Muslim Ummah “There is a significant difference between this year’s Eid and the Eid celebrations over the past 15 years. This time, we are celebrating Eid in a free, joyful atmosphere,” the BNP leader said. He said the people of the country have fought for democracy, the right to vote, the right to food, and the establishment of human rights over the last 15 years. Fakhrul said they prayed to the Almighty Allah on Eid day for this struggle to come to fruition through the restoration of democracy and the fulfillment of people's rights. “On this day, we hope that everyone who holds responsibility will succeed in their duties, and especially that the interim government will fulfil the promises they made to the people,” he said. Fakhrul mentioned that their party leaders and workers have vowed on this day to fulfil their own promises to the people. He said they prayed to Allah so that every Bangladeshi can celebrate Eid with happiness. “We also prayed for the speedy recovery of our leader Begum Khaleda Zia and for the immediate return of our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.” Earlier, Fakhrul, along with party leaders and activists, paid homage to Zia by placing a wreath at his grave in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the Eid. Khaleda may return home from London in mid-April: Fakhrul BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, and Nazrul Islam Khan, senior leaders Ahmed Azam Khan, Amanullah Aman, Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Syed Emran Saleh Prince, Mir Sarfat Ali Sapu, Rafiqul Islam, Saiful Alam Nirab, Mir Newaz Ali, Aminul Haque, and over a thousand leaders and activists from the party and its associate bodies were present. Fakhrul urges Dr Yunus to remove advisers compromising govt’s neutrality

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus should remove the advisers who are compromising the neutrality of his government. Speaking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, he also warned that their party would not accept a government that loses its neutrality ahead of the election.  “We expect complete neutrality from the government. We expect this even more from Professor Yunus. If he believes that anyone is undermining this neutrality, they should be removed from his cabinet. He should remain very clean,” Fakhrul said. People being denied voting rights as during dictatorship: Rizvi He also said if the Chief Adviser fails to take such actions, people will begin to believe that the government is unable to maintain its neutrality. “We have recently seen reports in the newspapers about certain advisers, which have left us disappointed with the government’s impartiality,” Fakhrul said. He pointed out that some advisers, who are connected with a political party, are using government funds in various sectors for purposes that cannot be considered impartial. The BNP leader alleged that government resources are being utilised to promote a political party. “These activities are undoubtedly eroding impartiality. We are also overlooking several issues, such as government funds being allocated for development in specific areas, as well as for mosques and temples of these areas,” he observed. The BNP leader said such activities send a message that a section of the interim government is not neutral. BNP to take to streets again if people’s interests jeopardised: Fakhrul Fakhrul also expressed frustration over the Chief Adviser’s failure to provide a clear election roadmap to hold the election by December this year. “What I believe is that the lack of a specific election roadmap reflects their political inexperience. I am sorry to say that,” he said.  He thinks if a clear roadmap were provided, it would significantly reduce the existing political crisis, allowing political parties to focus on the elections and move forward with the electoral process.   Fakhrul said a quarter is consciously trying to delay the election to put BNP in trouble, as they believe BNP will come to power if the election is held.   “There is a tendency to delay elections for certain interests of a quarter, but I don’t find any logical reason for delaying it due to reforms. Reforms will continue so will the election. Still, we have said that for a meaningful election, for an acceptable election, the minimum reforms are necessary,” he said. Asked what BNP may do if there is a potential crisis regarding the elections, he reiterated that they will again take to the streets in the interests of the people and restore their right to vote. The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh have always fought for liberal democracy and firmly believe in it. “The people are deeply religious, but they are not fanatic and will not allow anything bad to be done in the name of religion.” He alleged that the Awami League has made efforts to create fear of the emergence of militancy for its own benefit, but Bangladesh has not experienced any religious fanaticism in the 54 years since its independence. Fakhrul, however, warned that if liberal parties are suppressed or denied opportunities in politics, there is a significant risk of the rise of extremism in the country. Replying to a question, he said the people will decide whether the Awami League should continue in politics, stressing that those involved in genocide should face swift trial. Fakhrul rejected some people’s perception that BNP is a pro-Indian party, stating that their party’s focus is solely on Bangladesh’s national interest. He said BNP has consistently prioritised the country’s welfare since its inception, under the leadership of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. The BNP leader criticised certain individuals on social media, accusing them of inciting anarchy and serving foreign interests aimed at harming Bangladesh. He said it is in no way acceptable to make the Bangladesh Army controversial, as it is a patriotic force, recognised both nationally and internationally. Fakhrul recalled the role of the army during August 5, emphasising its commitment to the people. He criticised those attempting to tarnish the army's reputation, asserting that they do not act in the country’s interests. The BNP leader expressed a positive view regarding Professor Yunus' visit to China, stating it sends a positive message. He also stressed the importance of building relations with China, considering Bangladesh's geopolitical needs. Fakhrul reiterated that BNP’s policy is to maintain good relations with all countries, including China, the US, the UK, the EU, and neighbouring countries like India, Pakistan, and Myanmar, as Bangladesh is a small nation and needs to engage with these powers for its own benefit.

BNP on Saturday expressed doubt that implementing some of the reform commission's recommendations might weaken future governments and empower unelected individuals to control state affairs. Speaking at a press conference at the Chairperson’s Gulshan office, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also questioned whether the commission had made the recommendations as part of a planned initiative. “The state of the National Consensus Commission's spreadsheet and the varying statements from commission members and certain political parties show similarities. This raises questions in the public mind about whether all these aspects are part of a premeditated plan,” he said. Fakhrul also said it is difficult to determine whether the commission's recommendations truly serve the interests of democracy. "Upon reviewing the recommendations, it becomes evident that there is an unjustifiable attempt to appoint unelected individuals to state positions, which is unwarranted," he said. The BNP leader said the democratic character of the state and the people's ownership are reflected through the elected parliament and representatives. "But reviewing the recommendations of the Constitution and Election Reform Commissions, it becomes clear that it is better to create the opportunity for unelected individuals to govern the country, as politicians are unwanted," he observed. Fakhrul mentioned that their party would submit its opinions on the recommendations from the reform commissions to the National Consensus Commission on Sunday. No date set yet for Tarique Rahman’s return: Fakhrul “We’re responding to every single spreadsheet sent to us by the National Consensus Commission. We are adding comments alongside the yes or no options in the provided response format. We are fully cooperating,” he said. Asked which parties’ statements seem aligned with the consensus commission’s recommendations, Fakhrul replied, “As journalists, you can already see it, as many of the proposals have already appeared in the media. You will notice that they closely resemble the proposals made by certain political parties and individuals.” The BNP Secretary General said it is desirable that various reforms and constitutional amendments be made by giving importance to the democratic values, culture and religious sentiments of people. “All our reform efforts will focus on establishing a strong democratic political government based on broader national consensus—this is the expectation of the nation,” he said. In line with the aspirations of the mass uprising, the BNP leader said the people of this country are eagerly awaiting the realisation of their dreams for a strong democratic state founded on equality, human dignity, and social justice, free from discrimination. BNP stresses national unity, urges interim govt to maintain neutrality Fakhrul strongly opposed the recommendation to establish new commissions, including a National Constitutional Council (NCC), arguing that the descriptions of these commissions' jurisdictions and functions clearly indicate an intention to undermine and weaken the executive and legislative branches. “As a result, a weak and almost ineffective government system will be established in the future,” he warned. BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed also discussed the issue, explaining that the proposed commissions, particularly the NCC, would be structured in such a way that unelected individuals would be empowered to manage these institutions. “Proposals have been made to grant them constitutional authority. If these proposals are accepted, elected representatives will lose significance, and almost all key state functions will be managed by unelected individuals,” he said. Fakhrul also opposed the spreadsheet sent by the commission, which only offered 'yes' or 'no' responses. “Instead of presenting the proposals directly, they are framed as leading questions. For example, the spreadsheet asks, 'Do you support implementing the proposals through a Constituent Assembly? Answer Yes or No.' But the question of whether we agree on the concept of a constitutional assembly should come first,” he said. The BNP leader said the purpose of reform is to improve the quality of life for the people, ensure the security of their lives and property, guarantee accountability and the rule of law, and protect the independence and sovereignty of the country. Fakhrul said a charter of reform could be prepared based on the consensus of political parties, and an elected government would implement it later. Tarique warns against rehabilitating ‘fleeing autocrats’ He said the primary responsibility of the interim government is to organise a free, fair, and credible national election by implementing necessary reforms based on consensus and then transfer power to the elected government. "The elected government will complete the desired reforms of the people. Only an elected government, accountable to the people and committed to ensuring justice and good governance, can carry out the reforms that are acceptable to all," he said. Fakhrul claimed that certain advisers of the interim government have been directly or indirectly involved in the political party formation process, which has raised confusion among the public. “Various signs and evidence of using the administrative machinery in this process are gradually coming to light, which is in no way beneficial for the country and democracy," he observed. BNP standing committee members Mirza Abbas, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Selima Rahman were also present at the press conference.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said no date has been set yet for the return of party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from London. “We haven’t fixed a specific date yet, but he will return when we believe it is the right time,” Fakhrul said. He made the remarks while responding to a journalist's question at a press conference held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has been living in exile in London with his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Zaima Rahman, for over one and a half decades.  On September 11, 2008, just eight days after being released from jail on bail, Tarique left for London to seek medical treatment during the military-backed caretaker government. BNP stresses national unity, urges interim govt to maintain neutrality He had been arrested on March 7, 2007 and was released on bail on September 3, 2008. On Thursday last, a Dhaka court acquitted Tarique Rahman and others in a bribery case related to securing immunity in a murder case, making him legally free to return to Bangladesh, according to BNP lawyer Borhan Uddin. In an interview with BBC Bangla, Borhan confirmed that, with all legal cases now cleared, Tarique Rahman faces no legal obstacles to returning to Bangladesh and resuming political activities. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who went to London on January 8 this year for advanced medical treatment, has been staying with her son. While there are reports that Khaleda Zia may return home next month, BNP leaders suggest that Tarique Rahman’s return remains uncertain due to security concerns.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was admitted to a hospital in Dhaka after he suddenly fell sick on Sunday (2 March) morning. He is currently undergoing treatment at United Hospital in the capital's Gulshan area, BNP’s media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said on Monday. BNP hosts Iftar for orphans, Islamic scholars on first Ramadan “The BNP leader is feeling much better today," Sayrul added. A press release from the party's media cell said that Mirza Fakhrul started feeling unwell due to dust while attending a book launch ceremony at the Ekushey Book Fair recently. BNP Vice-Chairman Abdullah Al Noman laid to rest He was later admitted to the hospital following his doctor's advice. Doctors and Mirza Fakhrul have requested people not to gather at the hospital unnecessarily but pray for his speedy recovery.

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. Rizvi smells support from Jamaat shoring up govt 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. BNP, IAB agree on 10-point consensus for quick, credible polls “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.”

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. Movement leaders shouldn’t join govt, BNP leader Alal says 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.” No scope for reforms without democratic process: Khosru 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. BNP, Khelafat Majlis agree on holding elections by 2025 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.

Amid criticisms of the party’s early election demand, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has clarified that they are demanding the polls be held after minimum reforms, not right now. “We’re not saying the election must be held right now. But if polls are arranged after implementing minimum reforms, many problems will be resolved,” he said while addressing a discussion on Tuesday. No conflict between reform and election: Fakhrul The programme, titled Grantha Adda (Chatting on Books), was organised by Zia Smriti Pathagar at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman and the 12th founding anniversary of the organisation. Fakhrul said many people, especially students, misunderstand him as to why he talks so much about the election. “I say this because I believe, though I don’t know if my belief is right or wrong, that any elected government is much better than an unelected one,” he said. The BNP leader said people have access to an elected government, which is currently lacking. Besides, he said, if the election is held, many of the problems the country is facing now will disappear, as the elected government will come to power with public mandate. “Those who are currently in power, (interim government), have not yet been able to set themselves, as they lack the confidence to understand the language of the people. I believe an elected government understands the people's language better,” Fakhrul said. Fakhrul’s statement political, no distance with govt: Rizwana He thanked the students for raising their voices for change in society and the governance system. At the same time, he urged all not to take any reckless steps that would only create anarchy in the country. “We must keep it in mind that we will not do anything that will lead to anarchy,” the BNP leader said. “If we want to contain the instability prevailing here, we must move forward with patience. We must be careful not to do anything that will create more chaos and invite further danger,” he warned. The BNP leader also urged all not to lose patience or hope. “We have high expectations but very little patience." Fakhrul said that although only a few months have passed since the interim government took charge, many people have become crazy as they are taking to the streets with different demands and blocking roads. “It’s natural that this government will make mistakes because they were not in government or politics before and did not understand politics. We must give them that time,” he said. Fakhrul lamented that the quality of education in the country has significantly declined, as the education sector has been destroyed. He said the current government has formed various commissions but none focused on education, which he described as most essential. BNP to prosecute ‘fallen fascists’ if voted to power: Fakhrul The BNP leader also said no visible efforts have been made to improve the standard of education or resolve the problems in the sector. He opposed the lottery system for admissions to educational institutions and said it should be abolished soon for establishing a merit-based education system.

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday and discussed a range of issues relating to Bangladesh’s upcoming election, democratic transition and foreign investment. The hour-long meeting, which began around 3:30pm, was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Some people trying to undermine national unity: Fakhrul BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obed were also present at the meeting. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Khosru said the discussions focused on Bangladesh’s electoral roadmap, necessary reforms, the economy, and other issues vital to the country’s current context.

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. Khasru trashes minus-two formula, calls for restoration of democracy 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. Mirza Fakhrul calls for non-political unity in sports 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. 'Jamaat chief’s remarks hurt, still hope for united movement': BNP leader "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.