Dhaka: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today expressed that the entire nation is eagerly awaiting the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) election, set for the first half of February next year. He emphasized the significance of this election as a means to restore the democratic process in the country, which he believes is a desire shared by all citizens.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fakhrul made these remarks during the inaugural session of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Biennial Council-2025 at the National Press Club, where he was the chief guest. He stressed the importance of freedom of expression in a democratic society, urging that despite differing opinions, individuals should have the right to express their views freely. He criticized the current trend of treating dissenting voices as adversaries and spreading false propaganda against them, calling for an end to such practices.
Fakhrul also appealed for prayers for the recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently in critical condition at Evercare Hospital. He referred to her as the "Mother of Democracy and Leader of the Nation in Bangladesh" and requested the public's support during this challenging time.
He further urged journalists to focus on their own demands and the work of the journalists' union, rather than aligning with any political party. Fakhrul accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of deliberately restricting media freedom over the past 15 years and encouraged journalists to overcome these constraints.
The event was attended by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former member of parliament Mia Golam Parwar as the special guest. BFUJ acting President Obaidur Rahman Shahin chaired the session, while General Secretary Kader Gani Chowdhury moderated the proceedings.