Dhaka: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today stated that following the July Uprising, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) aims to leverage the opportunity for change to establish a permanent democratic state system in the country. Fakhrul emphasized the sacrifices made by citizens in bringing about this change and the party’s commitment to ensuring the rights of all citizens.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fakhrul made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in the city’s Kakrail area. The event was organized by the Caretaker Welfare Council of the Mosque-based Children and Mass Education Programme under the Islamic Foundation.
Reiterating the BNP’s core values, Fakhrul stated, “We are a liberal democratic party. We believe that where democracy prevails, the rights of people of all classes, religions, and ethnicities can be guaranteed. Without democracy, no one’s rights can be protected.”
Fakhrul criticized the government’s actions over the past 15 to 16 years, accusing it of infringing on citizens’ rights, including the right to vote and religious practices. He mentioned instances such as the government dictating the contents of Friday sermons and the problematic support some Islamic scholars have shown towards the current regime.
Highlighting the BNP’s commitment to Islamic values, Fakhrul pointed out that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had incorporated religious elements into the Constitution, a principle to which the BNP remains committed. He also discussed the BNP’s role in proposing fundamental reforms and signing the July Charter to drive change.
Fakhrul accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of politicizing institutions, particularly the Islamic Foundation, and vowed that the BNP would address these issues if it comes to power.