BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday called upon the youth to wake up and reinforce the movement for the 'restoration’ of democracy. “There’s no alternative to a movement if we want to restore the democratic system in Bangladesh, materialise the dream of the 1971 independence and fulfil the aspirations of people,” he said. Speaking at a virtual discussion, he said, "I would like to call upon the youth to come forward as time is running out fast. You’ve to wake up and save the country and its people.” BNP’s national committee on celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the Independence arranged the programme commemorating the day of detention of Khaleda Zia along with her two sons by Pakistani occupation forces during the Liberation War. Also read: Shun infighting first to launch oust-govt movement: Fakhrul to BNP leaders Fakhrul said they want to carry out the movement not in the interest of any individual or any party as it is meant for freeing the nation from the grasp of the current ‘regime which is destroying’ all the achievements of the nation. He said their party chairperson Khaleda Zia was sent to jail as she tried to ‘restore’ democracy and people’s all lost rights. The BNP leader said their party’s over 500 leaders and activists have been made disappeared and lakhs of others have been implicated in different cases. “So, BNP must play the leading role in changing the prevailing situation of the country.” BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said they decided to observe the day of Khaleda’s detention by the Pakistani forces since the government has been trying to distort the history of the Liberation War to mislead the young generation. Also read: Get ready for movement: Fakhrul to BNP followers He alleged that Awami League wants to undermine Zia and Khaleda getting scared of the ‘huge popularity’ of BNP. Another BNP standing committee member, Mirza Abbas, said Awami League does not want to hold a fair and credible election as the party has no popularity. “That’s why the party is now trying to shift the NID from the Election Commission to the Home Ministry to cement its power.” He said people are getting ready to bring a change in power by ensuring the fall of the current government. BNP standing committee members Jamiruddin Sircar, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Selima Rahman and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, among others, addressed the programme.

Bangladesh has reiterated her support for Japan’s bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council as the two countries agreed to foster greater cooperation in the international fora including at the UN.

Newly appointed Ambassador of Bangladesh to Oman Mizanur Rahman has presented the “Letter of Credence” to Sultan of Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Palace located adjacent to the capital city of Muscat.