Dhaka: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today accused deposed ruler Sheikh Hasina of resorting to violence, including the killing of civilians and students, to maintain her hold on power. This assertion was made during a public meeting organized by the Dhaka District BNP at the Ganakbari Darul Ihsa Madrasa ground in Ashulia, which aimed to honor the family members of the July uprising martyrs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was attended virtually by BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman as the chief guest. Fakhrul alleged that Sheikh Hasina has been inciting violence in Bangladesh from India, with recent incidents noted in Gopalganj. He emphasized the need for vigilance against such actions.
Fakhrul drew a parallel between the atrocities committed by Hitler during World War II and those allegedly perpetrated in Ashulia, where people were reportedly burned to death. He lamented that although the nation’s goals following the 1971 war were meant to be achieved, the dictatorial government sought to retain power indefinitely through state apparatus manipulation. He expressed gratitude for the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs, attributing the nation’s release from tyranny to divine intervention.
The BNP Secretary General highlighted the party’s efforts towards state reform, citing BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s 2030 vision outlined in 2016 and the 31-point programme proposed by Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in 2022. Despite the fall of the dictatorship, Fakhrul contended that true democracy is yet to be restored in the country.
Prominent BNP figures such as Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Aman Ullah Aman, Sultan Salauddin Tuku, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, and Aminul Haque were present at the event, which was presided over by Dhaka district BNP president Khandaker Abu Ashfaq and moderated by district general secretary Nipun Roy. The meeting began with emotional speeches from relatives of the anti-discrimination student movement martyrs in Savar, many of whom were moved to tears as they received honorary crests in recognition of their sacrifice.