Feni: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today demanded quick polls after clearing the garbage created by the past Awami League regime. He was addressing an educational material and corrugated iron sheet distribution ceremony for flood victims at Fulgazi upazila. The programme was held on the premises of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's ancestral home at Sreepur of the upazila. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mirza Fakhrul stated that the interim government has already completed many works in the last three months. He expressed hope that the government will hold elections within the quickest possible time after addressing the issues created during the past Awami League regime. Fakhrul emphasized the people's admiration for Khaleda Zia, highlighting her lifelong struggle for democratic rights and her efforts to mobilize the youth against autocratic rule during HM Ershad's tenure. Fakhrul recalled Khaleda Zia's contributions as Prime Minister, including making education free for students and creating job opportunities for women. He criticized the Awami League government for imprisoning Khaleda Zia on what he described as false charges, detailing the harsh conditions she faced during her six-year imprisonment. He accused the Awami League of repression and stated that its members responsible for such actions have fled. The ceremony was chaired by Fulgazi Upazila BNP convener Fakhrul Alam Swapan and attended by various BNP leaders, including BNP Chairperson's Adviser Abdus Salam, Special Assistant Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, and Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie. Later, Mirza Fakhrul joined a public rally at Chhagalnaiya court ground, marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day, organized by BNP's Feni-1 constituency organizational unit. During the rally, Fakhrul reiterated the ongoing nature of their movement, emphasizing the need to continue until democracy is fully established and their leaders, incl uding Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, are restored to their rightful positions. He called for swift elections after necessary electoral reforms, recognizing the interim government's role under Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, whom he praised for his Nobel Prize achievement. Fakhrul highlighted the persecution faced by BNP leaders and activists, citing numerous cases and enforced disappearances during the previous regime. Despite these challenges, he commended their resilience and commitment to fighting against authoritarianism and establishing democracy. He also mentioned preparations to take Khaleda Zia abroad for better medical treatment and sought prayers for her recovery from the people of Feni. The rally was chaired by Rafiqul Alam Majnu, with central leaders Belal Ahmed and Abu Taleb moderating the event. Other notable attendees included BNP Chairperson's Advisers Abdus Salam and Professor Zainal Abedin, Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, and Organizing Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Shamim.
