Dhaka: BNP Secretary General Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for unity among all pro-democratic individuals in Bangladesh, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “I don’t know what kind of Bangladesh we are standing in right now. I am 78 years old. I have fought my life for an independent, sovereign, democratic Bangladesh. The Bangladesh I am seeing today is not the Bangladesh I ever dreamt of,” he expressed.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fakhrul made these remarks while speaking at a protest meeting organized to show solidarity with those affected by the attack and arson on the daily Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, as well as the harassment of the daily New Age editor, Nurul Kabir. The event was jointly organized by the Editors’ Council and the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.
Fakhrul highlighted that the attack was not limited to Prothom Alo or The Daily Star but was an assault on democracy itself. “My right to think independently, my right to speak has been attacked again,” he stated. He referred to the ‘July War’ as the people’s struggle for rights and emphasized the need for unity among pro-democracy advocates. “We, who want to come out of the darkness and truly want to see Bangladesh as an independent, sovereign, and democratic nation, must not just be aware, but must stand up against this. Now is the time to stand up.”
He urged all individuals who cherish the idea of a democratic Bangladesh to unite and resist what he described as an evil force. “I appeal to you all, just not to declare solidarity by coming here, or by holding a human chain. All of you who love Bangladesh to be united with all your might in every sphere and resist this evil force,” Fakhrul added.
The meeting saw the presence of A. K. Azad, President of NOAB, members of the Editors’ Council, and other notable figures. Leaders from various political parties, business and journalist organizations, and representatives of civil society attended the event to express their solidarity. Following the protest meeting, participants formed a human chain on the road adjacent to the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.